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

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.