Introduction
Sri Lanka is a small island nation located off the southern coast of India. Despite its size, the country has been making significant strides in the field of mobile app development. In this article, we will explore the current state of mobile app development in Sri Lanka, the challenges faced by local developers, and the opportunities available for growth and innovation.
The Growing Importance of Mobile App Development in Sri Lanka
Mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. They offer a wide range of functions, from entertainment to commerce, healthcare to education. In Sri Lanka, mobile app development has gained significant importance due to the increasing penetration of smartphones and the growing demand for digital services. According to a recent report by Statista, the number of smartphone users in Sri Lanka is expected to reach 12 million by 2021, up from 9 million in 2016.
The growth of mobile app development in Sri Lanka can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the government has recognized the potential of mobile apps and has introduced policies and initiatives to promote the development of local apps. For instance, the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology has launched a program called “App Sri Lanka” which aims to foster the growth of the app industry by providing funding and support to local developers.
Secondly, the rise of e-commerce in Sri Lanka has also boosted the development of mobile apps. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, more and more businesses are looking to develop their own mobile apps to reach customers more effectively. This has created a significant demand for app developers in the country.
Case Studies of Successful Mobile App Development in Sri Lanka
There are several successful examples of mobile app development in Sri Lanka that demonstrate the potential of the industry. One such example is the popular food delivery app, Pickme. Launched in 2015, Pickme has become one of the most popular food delivery apps in the country, with over 4 million downloads and a user base of more than 600,000 active users.
Another successful example is the health and fitness app, Lumina. Launched in 2017, Lumina has quickly become one of the most popular health and fitness apps in Sri Lanka, with over 50,000 downloads and a user base of more than 10,000 active users.
Challenges Faced by Local Developers
Despite the growing demand for mobile app development in Sri Lanka, local developers face several challenges that hinder their growth and innovation. One of the main challenges is the lack of funding and support from venture capitalists and angel investors. According to a recent survey conducted by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Information Technology Professionals (SLASIP), only 2% of startups in the country receive funding from venture capitalists, while 98% rely on personal savings or bootstrapping their businesses.
Another challenge faced by local developers is the shortage of skilled professionals. While there are several universities and training institutions that offer courses in mobile app development, there is still a shortage of experienced developers who can deliver high-quality apps. This has led to an increase in outsourcing app development to foreign countries, where there is a larger pool of skilled professionals.
Opportunities for Growth and Innovation
Despite the challenges faced by local developers, there are several opportunities available for growth and innovation in mobile app development in Sri Lanka. One such opportunity is the growing demand for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) apps. According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the global AR and VR market is expected to reach $209.2 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 47.6% from 2017 to 2022.
Sri Lanka has already started to capitalize on this opportunity, with several companies developing AR and VR apps for local businesses. For instance, the company, RealityX, has developed an AR app called “RealityX” which allows users to try on clothes virtually before making a purchase.
Another opportunity for growth and innovation in mobile app development in Sri Lanka is the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) apps. According to a recent report by MarketsandMarkets, the global AI market is expected to reach $160 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 37.4% from 2020 to 2025.
Sri Lanka has already started to capitalize on this opportunity, with several companies developing AI and ML apps for local businesses.
