LIRNEasia

LIRNEasia (Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies Asia) is an information and communication technology (ICT) policy and regulation think-tank active in the Asia Pacific region. The organization is incorporated under Sri Lankan law as a non-profit organization. It was launched in September 2004 under the leadership of Professor Rohan Samarajiva.[1]

Research and activities

LIRNEasia conducts policy research on information and communications technology and related infrastructure sectors. Since 2012, this has included work on using big data for public policy.[2]

The organization conducts demand-side surveys to measure ICT access and usage. For example, its 2017 survey in Pakistan found that 69% of the population aged 15-65 were not aware of the internet, highlighting a significant usage gap.[3][4] It also conducted the sole institutional survey assessing internet usage of the Indian government's rural broadband initiative, BharatNet.[5] beyond telecommunications, its Human Resources Research Program published CHOICES – Higher Education Opportunities after A/Levels, a directory profiling 56 institutions and 258 alternative higher education courses in Sri Lanka.[6]

Its research includes analyzing the economic impact of technology. A 2014 systematic review of over 8,000 studies concluded that mobile network coverage in rural areas significantly improves market efficiency and employment.[7]

CEO Helani Galpaya was appointed to the board of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data in 2017.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economies Network (LIRNE.NET)", web page
  2. ^ a b "LIRNEasia CEO appointed to Board of Global Partnership for Sustainable Data". ft. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Astonishing 69 per cent Pakistanis don't know what internet is: LIRNEasia". The Financial Express. 30 January 2018.
  4. ^ "69% Pakistanis Between Ages 15 To 65 Don't Know What Internet Is: Survey". NDTV. Archived from the original on 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  5. ^ "LIRNEasia conducts only institutional survey of 'BharatNet Assessing Internet Usage' in rural India". Asian News International (ANI). 18 June 2024.
  6. ^ "Directory on 'Alternative Higher Education Opportunities' in Sri Lanka from Lirneasia". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 23 September 2012.
  7. ^ "Mobile network in rural areas: Coverage to increase efficiency and growth". The Express Tribune. 17 November 2014.


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