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The Economic and Social Impact of Electronic Commerce 29
they “offer a customized solution, which would suit each individual need (B2B or
B2C)” (Ariyadasa, 2000).
The benefits have not only reflected in the increment of their productivity, but
also in the implementation of education. The National Institute of Education
conducted a real time distance education program in Sri Lanka. This program is
carrying out on ISDN using video telephones. The director of the General
Education Institute mentioned “this effort will definitely take Sri Lanka to a new era
of education, a borderless education program” (Sri Lanka Telecomm 2001b). Also
the Lanka Experimental Academic and Research Network has provided email
facilities to more than 50 sites including universities and research institutions via dial
up lines (providing oversees connectivity).
FUTURE TRENDS
Rapid expansion of the Internet holds substantial promise for developing
nations. They can benefit greatly from the Internet’s communication and information
delivery capabilities to help meet these needs. (Hay et al., 2000) Developing
countries have much to gain from that revolution in communication and information
access.
Electronic commerce will give developing countries an ‘increase in jobs,
wealth and health. With the creation of new jobs the economy improves. EC will
also provide help, services and jobs, the reduction of unemployment and the growth
of GDP, this will also result in an improvement of the living conditions of the
population.’ (African Development Forum, 2000)
EC will have potential economic advantages in travel, tourism, sale of locally
produced goods, and the banking industry, because it lowers the cost of processing
orders and payments and is accessible to the global market. Electronic commerce
allows small businesses to sell their products from anywhere in the world. At the long
run, producers will be able to provide better customer service and will enable
people in Third World Countries and rural areas to enjoy products and services that
otherwise are not available to them (Turban et al., 2000).
CONCLUSION
Many governments across the regions have recognized the tremendous
opportunities that the Internet offers, “priority of governments to support the
development of internet-access infrastructure, to stimulate growth and encourage
businesses and individuals to go on-line (Hillebrand, 1999). The changes electronic
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