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Title:	Issues in Internet adoption among rural communities in Sri Lanka
Authors:	Galagedarage Thushari Madhubhashini (P60516)
Supervisor:	Ali Salman, Prof. Madya Dr.
Keywords:	Internet adoption Rural communities Infrastructural facilities Sri Lanka Dissertations, Academic -- Malaysia
Issue Date:	12-Oct-2014
Description:	The Internet was introduced to the Sri Lankan information and communication system in 1990. However, Sri Lankan Internet user percentage has lingered at a mere 18.3% (World Bank Report 2013). The purpose of this study is to identify the issues hindering Internet adoption among rural communities in Sri Lanka. The objectives are to determine the relationship between Internet adoption and infrastructural facilities, the adopter characteristics of rural communities, the characteristics of technology and affordability. A survey using questionnaires was employed to obtain data from 400 respondents in Bibile, Monaragala District. Some 470 questionnaires were distributed and 413 questionnaires were answered within four weeks. The return rate of questionnaires was 87.87%, but only 400 questionnaires (85.10%) were usable and thus analyzed. To get equal representation of gender, the sample consisted of an equal number of males and females. In terms of age, there were four groups comprising 18-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-60. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). The results show that Internet adoption among the rural communities was low due to a lack of infrastructural facilities, problems of affordability and low computer skills. From the correlation analysis all the nine variables have a strong significant relationship with Internet adoption. There is a strong significant negative relationship between Internet adoption and infrastructural facilities, computer skills and affordability. Adopter characteristics (needs, relevancy, attitudes and English language skills) and technology characteristics (ease of use and perceived benefits) have strong significant positive relationships with Internet adoption. The Internet has the potential to bridge the digital divide among urban and rural communities in Sri Lanka and empower rural communities. Therefore, efforts must be made to address the issues hampering the adoption of the Internet among the rural communities. The government and non-government organizations should introduce ICT policies, infrastructural facilities and effective Island wide projects to change the attitudes and behavior of rural communities in Sri Lanka. With a proper infrastructure, better financial backing, English language skills and computer skills; rural communities can easily connect to the Internet for their development activities. Therefore, this study suggests that attention should be given to the variables related to Internet adoption among rural communities in Sri Lanka.,Ph.D.
Pages:	253
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan

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