Many businesses in Sri Lanka continue to rely on intuition and past experience rather than data-driven decision making, despite the growing availability of digital tools and analytics platforms. One major reason is the lack of data literacy among business owners and managers, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. While companies collect large amounts of data through sales systems, social media, and customer interactions, they often lack the skills to analyze this data and convert it into actionable insights that support strategic planning and performance improvement.

Cost and infrastructure challenges also play a significant role in limiting data adoption. Advanced analytics tools, customer relationship management systems, and business intelligence software are often priced in foreign currencies, making them expensive for Sri Lankan businesses facing currency fluctuations and tight budgets. In addition, inconsistent data collection practices and the absence of centralized systems result in fragmented information, reducing the accuracy and reliability of business insights. Without clean and structured data, organizations struggle to trust analytics outputs, leading them to revert to manual decision-making methods.

Another key challenge is the absence of a data-driven culture within many organizations. Decision-making authority is often centralized, and insights from data are not consistently integrated into daily operations, marketing strategies, or financial planning. Limited access to skilled analysts and a shortage of mentorship in analytics further slow adoption. For Sri Lankan businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy, investing in data literacy, affordable analytics solutions, and a culture that values evidence-based decisions is essential for sustainable growth and long-term success.