  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.
