FITIS tells President to lift import ban on IT devices and peripherals

29 August 2022 06:01 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 8 Bookmark

A A A

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) yesterday cautioned that there is a serious danger of technological platforms in the country breaking down due to the government’s import ban on IT devices and peripherals due to the dearth of dollars prevailing in the country at present.

Issuing a statement, FITIS said that its members expect to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe and have a discussion with him on relaxing the ban.

FITIS also pointed out that the inclusion of IT devices and peripherals in the list of proscribed articles could have been due to a genuine oversight.
FITIS noted that hardware, peripherals and devices are essential to maintain the information and communications technology without breaking down. It also pointed out that imports of computers and allied peripherals and devices are already at minimum level due to the shortage of US dollars in the country for the past few months.

“The proper maintenance of technological platforms has become challenging as a result of this. Specially computer hardware items such as servers, networking equipment, notebook, laptop and desktop computers and firewall equipment are essential to carry out connected work of any type. Keeping connected the peripherals and devices live is essential for updating data systems, maintaining computer and communications networks and renewing licenses,” FITIS said.

FITIS is a collection of united organizations dedicated to the advancement of information and communications technology industry in Sri Lanka and is the apex body of ICT industry in the country that comprises eight sectors (chapters) namely hardware chapter, software chapter, education training chapter, communication chapter, digital service chapter, professional chapter, office automation chapter and professional consultant chapter.

Comments - 8

Sunil Monday, 29 August 2022 07:52 AM

This ban is second only to the chemical fertilizer debacle. This pea brained president is attempting to reset the computer as he proposed just a month or two ago. From sports to technology, Sri Lanka is doomed.

0 0

Rafeek Monday, 29 August 2022 08:53 AM

Import ban on IT devices and peripherals is like fertilizer Ban- continues mistake done for inteliigent bankruptsy we all vehicle spareparts electrical item if no power how will electricity work electricl vehicle that they are suggesting.

0 0

sacre blieu Monday, 29 August 2022 10:07 AM

The hosting of ceremonies to boost political images has resumed, what with the show the illicit president had recently. No signs of economizing these spending in favour of the hapless citizen.

0 0

Citizen k Monday, 29 August 2022 10:14 AM

We are told the way forward is through technology and then ban of imports. Don't go down the path where we still can't recover from food shortages.its time we had a think tank with knowledge on the subject to formulate plans for 5 year achievement and then longer achievement.Please don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole as it will lead to disaster.

0 0

IT mafia in action - don't be decieved Monday, 29 August 2022 11:02 AM

A lot country the IT project do refresh of hardware and software needlessly. The cause the creation of activity for which them payments can be sought. IT equipment out of warranty is often sought be replaced, when really if the organisation self-insures by buying 5% to 7% extra stock, and kept it stored, those equipment can be used to replace equipment that fails. Far more efficient than seeking year on year extra warranty which then gets a lot more expensive. It is typical of IT to always try to soft talk by saying maybe it was genuine oversight. I work in finance to keepT costs under control, and this is usual trick talk I hear when working both here and when I worked in Middle East too.

0 0

Allow import only for IT service exporters with dollars earned Monday, 29 August 2022 12:11 PM

Only allow IT imports for exporters. Local IT company can do with re-use of existing. There is too much waste with refresh projects of hardware in Sri Lanka already. If IT service exporter needs better equipment to keep exports, like big powerful PC, let them get it against their dollar earnings. But definetly we cannot afford to give up dollars for locally focused IT business. We need dollars first used for essentials like fertiliser and fuel before needing new IT for local use.

0 0

Techi Monday, 29 August 2022 01:24 PM

IT retailer business persons seem to struggling and the voice is being aired on here. I understand that IT devices would support a great export earning industry. However to compare IT devices to the fertilizer ban is ridiculous. It people don't realise, a lot more belt tightening will be on the cards if the fx crisis is not eased in the next couple of months. IT devices will be the least of the worries then!

0 0

Sindu.Amare Monday, 29 August 2022 06:42 PM

Export business in FTZ is given duty free import anyway. This talk by FITIS seems a sham. Better our dollars for providing petrol to school van than this high tech ruse for wasting by the local IT industry. Local IT can far more easily recover than children who are malnourished or fail to be able to get to school.

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.