Social Insurance System in Sri Lanka
The foundation of Sri Lanka’s social insurance system relay on several key programs. The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) are primary components, ensuring financial security for employees during retirement and emergencies. Additionally, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides essential healthcare coverage to citizens, reducing the burden of medical expenses.
Digital Services and its trends
Technology has brought about significant changes to Sri Lanka’s social insurance system. Digital services have become a crucial part of simplifying administrative processes and making it easier for beneficiaries to access services. Online portals now allow citizens to easily view information about their contributions, benefits, and application procedures. Additionally, electronic fund transfers have sped up disbursements, getting rid of bureaucratic delays.
The e-Services platform, a pivotal initiative, offers a range of online services. Beneficiaries can register, check balances, and even apply for loans or withdrawals through a user-friendly interface. Mobile applications further extend these services to a wider demographic, ensuring inclusivity across various age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The digitalization of Sri Lanka’s social insurance system has been underpinned by several notable trends. Firstly, there has been a concerted effort towards enhancing cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive personal data. This is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the system. Additionally, the integration of biometric authentication methods has further fortified the security of online transactions.
Collaborations with private sector entities are also on the rise, leveraging their technological expertise to enhance service delivery. Public-private partnerships have yielded innovative solutions, such as mobile wallet integration and digital identification systems, which have expedited the disbursement process.
Digital services in social and healthcare in Sri Lanka and its pros and cons
In Sri Lanka, things have changed a lot recently. They started using computers and the internet more in places like hospitals and for helping people. This has made it easier for everyone to get the help they need. Now, people can get information, make appointments, and even talk to doctors online. This is really handy, especially for people who live far away from cities or places where it’s hard to get help.
Using computers has also made the paperwork in hospitals and offices much less. This means they can do their jobs faster and better. It helps them keep track of important information about patients and make decisions about what’s best for them.
Doctors and leaders can now look at a lot of information quickly because of the computers. This helps them make good choices about how to help people and how to plan for the future. They can even talk to patients from far away through the computer, which is super helpful when going to the hospital might be tricky.
But, not everyone in Sri Lanka can use computers and the internet easily, especially in places where there are fewer people. This means some folks might not get the help they need. Also, when we use computers to save important information, we need to be extra careful to keep it safe and private. We need to make sure no one else can see it.
Digital Stores Vs Local Shops
Generally the prices in Sri Lankan local stores tend to be lower compared to many European countries. This price difference is influenced by various factors, including the cost of living, labor costs, import taxes, and economic conditions. However, when I moved to Finland I have noticed that there is a drastic increase on prices (compared to Sri Lanka – after converting LKR to Euro) hence the use of online purchase especially for clothing was increased rather than buying from Finnish stores. Through economies of scale and streamlined operations, these platforms often offer products and accommodations at prices that are highly competitive compared to traditional retail or booking channels. Additionally, both platforms frequently feature special promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals for their users.
Image: Sri Lankan local shop in pavement
I have used many digital stores, including booking.com, amazon, eBay, Shein, Airbnb, due to the fact that they provide users with unparalleled convenience. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through a vast array of products or accommodation options from the comfort of their homes or on the go. This accessibility is particularly advantageous for individuals with busy schedules or limited mobility, as it eliminates the need to physically visit.
Also I always prioritize user security. Most of the digital shops now have implemented robust encryption protocols and secure payment gateways, safeguarding sensitive information during transactions. Additionally, users have the flexibility to choose from various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and other secure payment options.
miro.com tool for project management
Miro, a dynamic online collaborative platform, offers project managers a range of powerful advantages. Firstly, it promotes seamless teamwork and communication, allowing team members to work together effectively regardless of their location. This real-time collaboration feature ensures everyone is aligned with project goals, fostering a culture of open communication. Secondly, Miro’s visual thinking tools enable project managers to bring complex ideas to life. They can create diagrams, flowcharts, and other visuals that help clarify project structures and workflows, facilitating better decision-making and task delegation. Additionally, Miro provides a variety of customizable templates that expedite project planning, making it easy for project managers to set up workflows, allocate tasks, and track progress.
Image: How miro help me though my thesis so far
Furthermore, Miro enhances stakeholder engagement by offering visually compelling presentations and shareable boards that effectively communicate project progress and milestones. This not only builds stakeholder confidence but also ensures everyone involved understands the project’s objectives. Additionally, Miro seamlessly integrates with popular project management and collaboration tools, streamlining workflow processes and centralizing project information. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and data fragmentation. Moreover, Miro’s cloud-based platform allows for anytime, anywhere access. Project managers and team members can work together, even remotely, ensuring continuity in project management regardless of external circumstances.
Digitalization and Digital Gap
In today’s fast-paced digital world, some people don’t use the internet or virtual services. This can bring about certain difficulties. For example, they might miss out on important information and services that are mainly found online. This includes things like news updates, educational materials, and government resources. Without access to these, it’s harder for them to stay informed and take part in our digital-focused society.
Additionally, not being part of the online world can make it tough to find jobs or create business opportunities. Nowadays, many industries and jobs require some level of digital know-how. This includes things like applying for jobs, networking, and learning new skills – all of which often happen online. So, if someone doesn’t use virtual services, they might find it harder to get a job or start their own business. As the world moves more towards using technology, being able to use the internet and digital tools becomes a really important skill. So, not using these services might lead to challenges in finding work and achieving financial stability.
Digital Competence Test
Self Evaluation
I’ve always seen myself as a fairly typical digital consumer, and the Digital Competence Report confirmed that. Still, I’m cutting myself a bit of slack considering that I work in a highly digitalized environment with experts in various digital areas like AI, robotics, machine learning, big data, analytics, and more. In my day-to-day work, it’s rare for me to be amazed by my own digital skills. Perhaps this is why I rated myself on the more modest side.
Also I believe that digitization is not always a good thing. While it has brought about numerous conveniences and efficiencies, it also raises concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and the potential exclusion of those who may not have access to or proficiency with digital technologies. It’s essential to approach digitization with a balanced perspective, considering both its benefits and potential drawbacks in order to make informed decisions about its implementation in various aspects of society.
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