Building Agility in COVID-19 Information Systems Response in Sri Lanka: Recommendations for Practice

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic tested the capacity of information systems in countries on the ability to rapidly respond to requirements which were not anticipated. This article analyzes the socio-technical determinants of agility in building the IS response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. We deploy qualitative research methods to explore the case study of implementation of COVID-19 surveillance system in Sri Lanka. Three key recommendations are developed for practice relating to high-level multisectoral governance, use of lightweight digital platforms and leveraging on existing capacities and infrastructure.