Sri Lanka's Diminishing IT Skill Landscape

From Tech Titans to Struggling Starters: Sri Lanka's Diminishing IT Skill Landscape, A Comparative Analysis

In today's fast-paced digital era, the demand for skilled IT professionals is at an all-time high. Yet, despite the burgeoning opportunities in the tech industry, the sad reality is that many developers in Sri Lanka lack the fundamental knowledge and expertise required to meet the demands of modern web development projects. As a project manager tasked with sourcing talent for a corporate website initiative, I was met with a surprising lack of enthusiasm and competence among the local developer community. It became apparent that a significant portion of the workforce was unfamiliar with essential concepts such as webhooks and infographics, and were reliant on platforms like WordPress and frameworks like Laravel to carry out even basic web development tasks. This glaring skills gap not only hampers individual career growth but also reflects poorly on the quality of education and training provided by IT institutes across the country.

In the 1990s, the landscape of technology in Sri Lanka was vastly different from what it is today. I vividly remember being tasked with projects that required C/C++ development on DOS platforms, where every program had to run within the constraints of 640k memory. Memory optimization and paging were not just recommended practices; they were essential for program functionality.

One particularly memorable project involved stripping down a SCADA program designed for a DOS machine, which communicated with a specially designed board equipped with analong and digital data channels for monitoring and control. Alongside my team leader/manager, we realized that modifying the existing program was more cumbersome than building it from scratch. This realization led us to explore the capabilities of object-oriented programming (OOP) techniques offered by Borland C++, prompting us to modularize the program into software agents. Each agent handled specific tasks such as graphics rendering, data storage, networking, and PLC communication.

When we presented this innovative approach to our CEO, he was impressed and challenged us to complete the project within three months for installation at the Dumpil Irrigation Dam Gate Automation system in Semarang, Indonesia. Despite the ambitious timeline, our team's enthusiasm and determination propelled us to success. Within three months, we not only delivered a functional system but also introduced groundbreaking concepts, such as multi-threaded programming on DOS machines and networked computing with the ability to asynchronously work in a multi-computer environment.

Reflecting on those days, it's evident that the education and training we received emphasized innovation, problem-solving, and perseverance. Unfortunately, it seems that the current educational system may not be fostering the same level of curiosity and ingenuity, instead churning out operators proficient in data entry without a deeper understanding of underlying technology.

In the midst of this technological evolution, the product that was given to us for stripping was named 'Synapse,' which encouraged us and epitomized our commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. With the awakened innovator in us, we embarked on a new journey with 'Gost,' an agent-based networked computer. I am always aiming to build upon our past successes while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern digital landscape. The spirit of innovation that drove me in the past continues to inspire me today as I strive to push the boundaries of what's possible in technology.

As I reflect on the current state of education and the diminishing levels of skill in the field of technology, I am deeply saddened by the stark contrast between the past and the present. While there are many factors contributing to this decline, I believe it's crucial to examine the roles of both educators and students in shaping the landscape of learning. On one hand, educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of the next generation of innovators. They are entrusted with the responsibility of imparting knowledge, nurturing curiosity, and instilling a passion for learning.

However, the education system itself has undergone significant changes over the years, with a growing emphasis on rote memorization and standardized testing at the expense of critical thinking and practical skills development. This shift has left many students ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. On the other hand, students also bear some responsibility for their own learning journey. While external factors such as curriculum design and teaching methods certainly play a role, students must also take ownership of their education and actively seek out opportunities for growth and development. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and embracing new challenges, students can position themselves for success in an ever-changing landscape. Ultimately, addressing the decline in education requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including educators, students, policymakers, and society as a whole.

The gap in skills among present-day professionals has become increasingly evident, particularly in discussions about emerging technologies and paradigms. Concepts like infographics and handling multiple touchpoints via webhooks often elicit confusion among many professionals, highlighting a significant challenge in today's fast-paced software engineering market. In this competitive landscape, lacking knowledge of these latest paradigms can leave web developers lagging behind their peers. What's most concerning is that, despite my ability to develop an infographic using ColdFusion, Java servlets (for webhooks), and Java applets for client-side functionality back in 1998/99, our current workforce seems ill-equipped to handle similar tasks. Despite advancements in browser and server technologies making the implementation of infographics and webhooks more accessible, the prevailing lack of familiarity among professionals is disheartening.

Strategic Action Plan:

1. Revamping Education Methods: Revisit and revamp education methods, strategies, and syllabuses to ensure alignment with industry demands and emerging technologies. This includes incorporating practical, hands-on learning experiences and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Promotion of Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation by supporting startups, providing incentives for research and development, and creating collaborative spaces for knowledge sharing and networking.

3. Retention Strategies: Implement measures to retain skilled professionals within the country, such as offering competitive salaries, providing career advancement opportunities, and improving work-life balance.

4. Encouragement of Entrepreneurship: Support entrepreneurship initiatives by providing access to funding, mentorship programs, and regulatory frameworks that promote business growth and innovation.

5. International Collaboration: Foster collaboration with international partners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and attract foreign investment in the local IT sector.

Current Crisis:

As the economy faces a downturn and skilled professionals continue to leave the country, the IT market is at risk of further decline. This alarming trend not only exacerbates the existing skills gap but also hampers innovation and economic growth. To address this critical issue, it is imperative to revisit and revamp education methods, strategies, and syllabuses. By ensuring that education is aligned with industry demands and focuses on practical, hands-on learning experiences, we can better equip the next generation with the skills required for success in the digital age. Additionally, promoting innovation, retaining skilled professionals, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering international collaboration are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the drain of skills and revitalize the IT market. This proactive approach will not only safeguard against further loss but also position our country as a hub for technology-driven innovation and economic prosperity in the long term.

Written by : Sanjaya Gunasiri

Copyright © 2023 Pragmatic Engineering. All rights reserved.