National ICT Skills Framework

Sri Lanka is presently at a crucial juncture in the Information Communication Technology sector and its related labour markets. With the rapid digital transformation of the way we work accelerated by advancement in technology, time has come to critically analyse the future of talent for Sri Lankan ICT industry.
However, due to a severe skill gap resulting from multiple lapses have challenged Sri Lanka in its endeavors to enhance ICT workforce to the expected level. A thorough analysis of the current situation indicates the one of the major contributors to this widening skill gap is the disconnection between demand for ICT skills and the Suppliers of ICT Skills. According to IT/BPM National Workforce Survey 2019, there are several skills in demand but not provided by the training and educational service providers. On the other hand, several skills are extensively offered by ICT training providers but are not in demand by organizations that employ ICT professionals. in this context, it is imperative to establish a common platform to connect the ICT skills in demand and suppliers of ICT to bridge this skill gap. Therefore, Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) embarked on a national initiative in partnership with Ministry of Technology, Ministry of Education, ICT Industry Associations and national partners in tertiary and vocations training to develop and adopt a comprehensive National ICT skills Platform to bridge the ICT skills gap.
National ICT Skills Framework is a comprehensive skills and competency framework which outlines required technical skills & competencies and generic skills & competencies essential for job profiles in ICT career tracks. This National ICT Skills Framework provides the foundation for the National ICT Skills Platform.
Following an extensive study into global Skills frameworks it was recommended to adopt a Skills Framework for Information Age (SFIA) to define technical skills and competencies. Similarly, generic skills & competencies were developed to suit Sri Lankans context holding Singapore – Skills Framework for ICT as a reference point.
This document will outline how the National ICT Skills Framework and Skills Framework for Information Age (SFIA) will be adopted across the multiple stakeholders to positively consume the aforementioned National ICT Framework and SFIA.