Virtual Institute on Inclusive Connectivity

Taking the Sri Lankan context into consideration, we define, ‘inclusive connectivity’ as Overall connectivity that helps to achieve an economically-integrated, inclusive society by realizing:

• Physical connectivity that improves supply chain performance, connects and integrates logistics, transport, and telecommunication infrastructure in the country;

• Institutional connectivity that advances cooperation and coherence among stakeholders, supply chain partners, and other interested parties;

• People-to-people connectivity that enhances interaction, research, knowledge sharing, open innovation, and other joint endeavors.

According to this definition inclusive connectivity requires adequate physical infrastructure, human capital mobility, technology transfer, and access to markets. By connectivity we mean both physical connectivity and digital connectivity.

Inclusive connectivity is not an option but a necessity for Sri Lanka if we are to achieve rapid economic growth.