Hon. Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, during his address at the KPMG Sri Lanka Budget Analysis 2025, laid out the strategic roadmap for the digitalization of the nation. The digital economy, being a major engine of national development, is structured on five pillars that aim to change industries, improve governance, and enhance cybersecurity.

The digital sector today earns about $1.2 billion in foreign revenues and is projected to achieve a tremendous growth, with a planned growth to $5 billion by the year 2030. The ICT Professionals at present 85,000, is also projected to increase to 200,000 in the same timeframe as it focuses on building capacity and expertise. Electronic payments are an essential part of economic modernization, and steps are being taken to enhance digital-based payment systems in order to boost financial inclusion and efficiency. The move is to make transactions more secure and convenient in all economic sectors.

Digital transformation of public sector services through digital governance is being given priority by the government to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Administrative processes will be streamlined and public service delivery significantly improved through the application of technology-based solutions. Digital technologies will also play a key role in enhancing operational efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving quality across industries. This cross-industry convergence is expected to increase productivity and drive competitiveness in the national economy.

Realizing the importance of data security and cybersecurity, the government will be implementing robust cybersecurity measures and enforcing the Data Protection Act. The creation of a National Data Exchange will further strengthen digital infrastructure and data protection, ensuring the digital platform is a safe place.

The government's commitment to digital transformation is seen in its financial allocations. The Ministry of Digital Economy has been allocated LKR 3000 million has been provided for other digital initiatives. This money will go towards funding high-profile projects such as the establishment of a national digital identity card, the deployment of a National Data Exchange, and the stronger enforcement of cybersecurity.

One of the main shifts in strategy is increased involvement from the private sector. Digitalization will be driven by Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), with a shift from being mainly government-funded. By encouraging collaboration with private enterprises, Sri Lanka is looking to expedite innovation and progress in the digital economy.

With a carefully crafted strategy and enormous financial backing, Sri Lanka will be able to achieve its ambitious digitalization goals. The country's development into a more integrated, efficient, and secure digital economy will likely catalyze economic progress and enhance the standard of living of its citizens by 2030.

An awareness programme to introduce the process of Electronic Identity Cards (SLUDI) and discuss related issues was held at Sri Lanka Communication Technology Representative (ICTA) last 24, Colombo, Deputy Minister Engineer Eranga Weeraratne on Digital Economy.

Discussed here about the key challenges and the operations process emerged in the implementation of the Electronic ID project, exchange of ideas and identifying solutions for emerging issues by concerned stakeholders.

For this awareness programme, President Chief Advisor on Digital Economy and President of Sri Lanka Communication Technology Representative Dr. Hans Vijayasuriya and its Director Mr. Sanjaya Karunasena were also together and they made a long explanation about the Electronic ID project.

Along with the digital economic program that is operating according to the vision of President Anura Kumara Dissanayatha, the Electronic ID project was implemented and the aim of this awareness program was to formulate it and provide a clear understanding to the people about it.

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Public Consultation, put together by the Ministry of Digital Economy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, was held on 9th January at Water's Edge. It brought together all key stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, UNDP Sri Lanka's Malin Herwig, and leading AI experts, to envision Sri Lanka's AI-driven future.

In his keynote, Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that AI is about transformative potential and emphasized its key role across all Digital Economy pillars set by the government: Digital Industry, Digital Learning, E-Government, sectorial industry applications and beyond.

Dr. Romesh Ranawana, the Chair of CFSAI, presented the core components of the strategy, while Naveen Varshan Ilavarasan from UNDP discussed the importance of safeguards in the adoption of AI and Digital Public Infrastructure. Merl Chandana from LIRNEasia and Kim Eunsong from UNESCO made presentations on the ethical use of AI, its risks, and UNESCO's framework for responsible development.

Panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions were also conducted on the opportunities, challenges, and policy recommendations for AI in sectors such as education, health, and governance. The consultation was concluded with reflections and next steps by Dr. Ranawana, emphasizing a shared commitment toward the creation of an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem for Sri Lanka.

Accelerated Action Plan by the New Government to Foster Innovation The government has introduced a fast-tracked initiative aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors. Sri Lanka Can Strengthen Its Position in the Global Market Through New Product Development

– President Commercializing Research and Development Can Lead to a Sustainable Economy

– Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka can enhance its position in the global market through a robust new product development strategy, which will also create new market opportunities. He made these remarks yesterday (08) during the official launch of the "National Initiative for R&D Commercialization" held at the Presidential Secretariat.

As part of the initiative, the newly developed website nirdc.gov.lk was also launched. This platform aims to facilitate the commercialization of research and development, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth through the production of value-added goods and services, which will ultimately drive national economic development and social progress.

The President pointed out that while grassroots-level innovators do emerge in Sri Lanka, there has been a lack of adequate mechanisms to properly support, nurture, and commercialize their ideas. He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for free and innovative thinking, backed by an efficient system to channel these ideas into productive outcomes. With such a framework in place, Sri Lanka can transform itself into a hub of innovation.

Historically, the country has allocated a mere 0.12% of its annual GDP for research and development. Despite Sri Lanka's abundance of natural resources, there has been limited focus on utilizing research to generate economic benefits. However, with the new government in place, a significant number of local and international investors have shown keen interest in investing in Sri Lanka. The government aims to capitalize on this momentum by efficiently managing investments to spur economic growth without delay.

The recently established Ministry of Science and Technology has already begun implementing a long-term, well-structured R&D strategy. The immediate priority will be to convert near-complete or completed research projects into marketable, value-added products and services, providing a quick boost to the economy.

To support this effort, the "National Initiative for R&D Commercialization (NIRDC)" has been established, chaired jointly by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya. The initiative includes a committee comprising experts from diverse fields such as scientific research, industry, economics, law, arts, and indigenous heritage.

During the event, President Disanayake highlighted that while human needs remain constant, the methods of fulfilling those needs evolve. He noted that innovation and new product development are key to shaping those new methods.

Addressing past shortcomings, the President observed that Sri Lanka's outdated approach to technology and innovation has hindered its ability to compete in the global market. Despite technological advancements driving a shift in global market trends, Sri Lanka remains trapped in traditional sectors like tea, coconut, and rubber. President Disanayake further underscored that globally leading companies have succeeded by integrating innovation with technology, noting that five out of the world's top ten companies are technology-based.

He pointed out Sri Lanka's past neglect of technology as a key economic driver, contrasting it with developed countries that prioritized technological advancements and achieved significant economic growth.

The President concluded by stating that eradicating poverty is essential not only to eliminate social suffering but also to restore the rights of marginalized communities. He asserted that through innovation, the rural poor can be empowered by ensuring their right to economic participation and access to information, which will ultimately improve their quality of life.

Expressing his views, Senior Advisor to the President, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya stated:

Up to now, research and development (R&D) outcomes in Sri Lanka have not been effectively integrated into the economy. Under this new program, efforts will be directed towards commercializing R&D, enabling economic growth and fostering social development to build a sustainable economy.

The event was graced by a distinguished gathering, including Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando and Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Ministers Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Russel Apponsu, university vice-chancellors and representatives, heads of state and private research institutions, investors, entrepreneurs, industrialists, and senior executives from banks and financial institutions.

Sri Lanka Police proudly present the e-Traffic mobile app-a game-changer in how we handle traffic violations under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. This innovative app will enable you to report traffic offenses with ease in real time, right from your phone. Download it from the Sri Lanka Police website, take photos or videos of any incident of a traffic nature, and instantly submit them!

Your valuable contribution will facilitate quick investigations and take actions against offenders. The app effortlessly connects with 607 police stations across the island for speedy responses. Let us join our hands to minimize accidents and create a safer road for everybody.

Watch out for the next version with many more advanced features, which will make it even easier to report more effectively. Join us in building a safer Sri Lanka with one click!

The "Clean Sri Lanka" project is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering a better environment and promoting ethical principles across the three pillars of sustainability: Economic, Social, and Environmental (EESG). Our goal is to improve governance through ethics and transparency, supported by strong partnerships that empower public health and inclusivity.

From an environmental perspective, we focus on green practices, effective waste management, energy conservation, and biodiversity protection. Additionally, we are creating green jobs, fostering sustainable industries, and opening up investment opportunities.

With a vision of transforming Sri Lanka into a beautiful island filled with smiling people, and a mission to evolve it into a developed nation, we are soon introducing new features such as a dashboard, payment gateway for donations, and tools that will provide transparent progress updates on the Clean Sri Lanka project through web & mobile app.

Your support is the cornerstone of a brighter, more sustainable future!

The Ministry of Digital Economy has announced the introduction of a special program to promote digital payments. Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne highlighted that using cash for transactions costs approximately 1.5% of the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He also pointed out that cash payments contribute to increased fraud, corruption, and inefficiencies in payment processes. To address these issues, the Deputy Minister stated that all payments to government institutions will soon be subject to digitalization.

GovPay: Digitalizing Government Transactions

Launching by the end of January 2025, GovPay will initially integrate 16 government institutions. An additional 30 institutions are scheduled to join in two further phases, achieving full implementation by April 2025. This phased rollout is designed to ensure a seamless, user-friendly experience, enabling citizens to make payments for government services through fintech applications or online banking platforms.

GovPay aims to modernize revenue collection processes, ensuring enhanced control, accuracy, security, and transparency in government financial transactions. By aligning with the digital government strategy, GovPay integrates data-driven processes to improve operational efficiency and responsiveness, enabling informed decision-making and ultimately improving service delivery standards.

Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Corruption

Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that this initiative will significantly improve the efficiency of the overall system. Additionally, promoting digital payments will reduce manual labor, eliminate inefficiencies and corrupt practices, and provide more convenient services to the public.

APICTA (Asia Pacific ICT Alliance) Awards, is the premiere regional ICT competition, widely recognized as the Oscars of the ICT industry in Asia. Held this year for the 23rd time, the competition held in Brunei Darussalam from 4th to 7th December 2024 saw over 290 products from 16 member countries in the APAC region competing across 25 categories. It was inaugurated by the Crown Prince of Brunei on 5th December.

Based on the winners of categories, Sri Lanka was placed fifth overall, securing 2 Category Winner Awards, 6 Runners Up positions, and two Merits. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised of 33 Nominations under commercial products and Universities from National ICT Awards (NBQSA) and 4 Junior and Senior Secondary Students nominations from the Young Computer Scientist Competition).

The Sri Lankan Delegation Comprised of over 50 participants, 1 Advisory Judge, 6 Judges, Exco members and other officials.

Today 12.12.2024, the winners of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024, held in Brunei last week, met with the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne. The Minister congratulated the winners for their exceptional achievement in representing Sri Lanka. At the awards ceremony, the Sri Lankan team secured a total of 10 awards: 5 in the commercial category (including 2 Gold winners), 2 in the tertiary category (1st runner-up), and 3 in the school category (1st runner-up and 2 merits).

Commercial Categories:

• 2 Winners (Epic Lanka Pvt Ltd, Linear Six Pvt Ltd)
• 3 awards of 1st Runners Up positions (Epic Lanka Pvt Ltd, PayMedia Pvt Ltd, Overleap Pvt Ltd.)

Tertiary Student Categories:

• 2 awards of 1st Runners Up positions (SLIIT, USJ)

Junior/Senior Student Categories:

• 1 award or 1st Runners Up Position (Sivali Central College, Ratnapura)
• 2 Merit Awards (Ananda College, Gateway College)

In his remarks, the Minister emphasized the significant role of their contributions in supporting the government’s efforts to increase targeted revenue to $5 billion and expand the IT industry into a $15 billion Digital Economy in 2030. He also highlighted the potential for growth across various sectors, including services, products, and solutions, while underscoring the country’s goal of creating a unicorn in the near future.

The meeting was also attended by BCS Chairman Mr. Alanzo Doll, along with other BCS Sri Lanka Directors and representatives from the ICTA Director Board, including Mr. Sanjaya Karunasena and Mr. Bandula Rantunga.

All professionals invited to participate in creating a digital economy

• Digital economy expected to generate USD 15 billion in revenue within the next five years
• President highlights these goals upon assuming duties as Minister of Digital Economy
• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need for the support of all professionals to digitize the country and actively participate in the process, at a time when the expectations of the political establishment and digital technologists are aligned.

He further assured that he would firmly stand by this vision at any time.

The President shared these remarks while addressing officials of the Ministry of Digital Economic Affairs after assuming duties as the Minister of Digital Economic Affairs today (05).

Highlighting the benefits of digitalization, the President stated that it has the potential to enhance the efficiency of economic activities and elevate the country's economy to greater heights.

The President highlighted that the government's primary objectives are poverty eradication, transforming social attitudes, and advancing digitalization.

The President emphasized that a country's development cannot be achieved solely by constructing buildings. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the existence of a dedicated construction ministry two decades ago and noted that currently, construction activities are being undertaken by every ministry.

He revealed that during discussions with the Ministry of Education authorities and university chancellors last year, no attention was given to education reforms, with the focus remaining solely on building construction.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also highlighted that despite the Ministry of Labor possessing two large buildings, there has been no reduction in public queues, stressing that digitalization is essential to address such issues effectively.

The Ministry has outlined a plan to generate an income of USD 15 billion within the next five years through the digital economy. Efforts will also be directed towards increasing the digital workforce to 200,000 and digitizing the entire country within the same timeframe.

Engineer Eranga Weeraratne assumed duties as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy during this occasion.

The event was attended by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Affairs Hans Wijayasuriya, who is also the Chairman of ICTA, along with a group of officials.

ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථිකයක් ඇති කිරීම සඳහා සහභාගී වන ලෙස සියලු වෘත්තීයවේදීන්ට ආරාධනා කරනවා

ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථිකය මඟින් ඉදිරි වසර පහ ඇතුළත ඇමෙරිකානු ඩොලර් බිලියන 15ක ආදායමක් අපේක්ෂා කෙරේ

ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික අමාත්‍ය ධුරයේ වැඩ භාර ගනිමින් ජනපති පවසයි

දේශපාලන අධිකාරියේ සහ ඩිජිටල් තාක්ෂණවේදීන්ගේ අපේක්ෂා සමපාත වී ඇති මේ අවස්ථාවේ රට ඩිජිටල්කරණය කිරීම සඳහා සියලුම වෘත්තීයවේදීන්ගේ සහයෝගය අපේක්ෂා කරන අතර ඒ සඳහා සහභාගි වන ලෙස ජනාධිපති අනුර කුමාර දිසානායක මහතා ප්‍රකාශ කළේය.

ඕනෑම අවස්ථාවක ඒ වෙනුවෙන් තමන් පෙනී සිටින බවත් ජනාධිපතිවරයා එහිදී සඳහන් කළේය.

ජනාධිපති අනුර කුමාර දිසානායක මහතා මෙම අදහස් පළකළේ , අද (05) පස්වරුවේ ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික කටයුතු අමාත්‍යාංශයේදී එම අමාත්‍ය ධුරයේ වැඩ භාර ගැනීමෙන් අනතුරුව අමාත්‍යාංශ නිලධාරීන් අමතමනි.

ඩිජිටල්කරණය තුළින් ආර්ථික කටයුතුවල කාර්යක්ෂමතාව වැඩි කර රටේ ආර්ථිකය ඉහළ මට්ටමකට ගෙන ඒමට හැකි බවද ජනාධිපතිවරයා සඳහන් කළේය. දිළිඳුබව තුරන් කිරීම, සමාජීය ආකල්ප වෙනස් කිරීම සහ ඩිජිටල්කරණය රජයේ ප්‍රමුඛ අරමුණු වන බව ජනාධිපතිවරයා පෙන්වා දුන්නේය.

ගොඩනැගිලි ඉදිකිරීමෙන් පමණක් රටක් සංවර්ධනය නොවන බව පෙන්වා දුන් ජනාධිපතිවරයා මීට දශක දෙකකට පෙර ඉදිකිරීම් අමාත්‍යංශයක් පැවතුණු බව සිහිපත් කළ අතර මේ වන විට සෑම අමාත්‍යාංශයකින්ම සිදු කරන්නේද ඉදිකිරීම් පමණක් බවද කියා සිටියේය.

පසුගිය වසරේ අධ්‍යාපන අමාත්‍යාංශයේ බලධාරීන් හා විශ්වවිද්‍යාල කුලපතිවරුන් සමඟ පැවති සාකච්ඡාවලදී අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණ පිළිබඳ සාකච්ඡා සිදු කර නොමැති බවත් සිදු කර තිබෙන්නේ ගොඩනැගිලි ඉදිකිරීම් සඳහා සාකච්ඡා පමණක් බවත් ජනාධිපතිවරයා අනාවරණය කළේය.

කම්කරු අමාත්‍යාංශයට විශාල ගොඩනැගිලි දෙකක් තිබෙන නමුත් තවමත් ජනතාවගේ පෝලිම්වල අඩුවක් දක්නට නොලැබෙන බවත් ඒ සඳහා විසඳුම් ලබා දීමට නම් ඩිජිටල්කරණය අත්‍යවශ්‍ය බවත් ජනාධිපති අනුර කුමාර දිසානායක මහතා පෙන්වා දුන්නේය.

ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථිකය මඟින් ඉදිරි වසර පහ ඇතුළත ඇමෙරිකානු ඩොලර් බිලියන 15ක ආදායමක් ඉපැයීමට ද අමාත්‍යාංශය සැලසුම් කර තිබේ.

ඩිජිටල් ශ්‍රම බලකාය ලක්ෂ දෙක දක්වා වැඩි කිරීම, සමස්ත රටම ඩිජිටල්කරණය ඉදිරි වසර පහ තුළ ඉටු කිරීමට අදාළ ක්‍රියාකාරී සැලැස්ම ක්‍රියාත්මක කිරීමට මෙහිදී අවධානය යොමු කෙරිණි.

ඉංජිනේරු එරංග වීරරත්න මහතාද මෙම අවස්ථාවේ ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය ධුරයේ වැඩ භාර ගත්තේය.

ජනාධිපති ලේකම් ආචාර්ය නන්දික සනත් කුමානායක , ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික අමාත්‍යාංශයේ වැඩබලන ලේකම් වරුණ ශ්‍රී ධනපාල, ඩිජිටල් කටයුතු පිළිබඳ ජනාධිපති ජ්‍යෙෂ්ඨ උපදේශක, ICTA ආයතනයේ සභාපති හාන්ස් විජේසූරිය යන මහත්වරු ඇතුළු නිලධාරින් පිරිසක් මෙම අවස්ථාවට එක්ව සිටියහ.

A significant meeting was held at the Ministry of Digital Economy, presided over by the newly appointed Secretary, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, alongside Mr. Janaka Sampath Geekiyanage Director (Development)). The session aimed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ICT industry and discuss strategies to elevate its global presence.

Representing BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, were prominent leaders including the current Chairman, Mr. Alanzo Doll, Immediate Past Chairman and APICTA Executive Committee Member, Mr. Vajeendra S Kandegamage, APICTA Treasurer, Mr. Ruwan Amarasekara, BCS Treasurer, Mr. Sanharsha Jayatissa, and Economy Coordinator appointed by BCS, Mr. Rajeeva George.

The discussion cantered on Sri Lanka’s participation in the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) 2024, where 35 innovative ICT products selected from the National ICT Awards 2024 will compete. These innovations highlight the remarkable talent and ingenuity within Sri Lanka's ICT sector.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has been a cornerstone in promoting Sri Lankan ICT excellence, organizing the National ICT Awards for 26 consecutive years. Their commitment to uplifting the industry has positioned Sri Lanka as a strong contender on the international stage.

The Secretary emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for ICT development and congratulated the BCS team for their pivotal role in taking Sri Lanka’s ICT industry to the next level. This collaboration underscores the collective effort required to bring global recognition to Sri Lanka's technological capabilities.