Digital transformation game changer for development
Sri Lanka is now on its way towards digital transformation via organisational overhauling driven by technology to enter onto the global stage, Technology Minister Kanaka Herath said.
The Government has already allocated Rs. 3 billion or 1.4 per cent of total expenditures to digital and digitalisation efforts in 2024, with the aim of growing into a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030, he disclosed.
The ministry has embarked on DIGIECON 2030 an ambitious roadmap for digital transformation to achieve this objective making a significant jump from $4.3 billion in 2023
Leveraging its strategic location and thriving service sector, the road map has proposed to expand beyond established areas like BPO, ICT, and tourism.
Education, health tourism, and agri-tourism are identified as promising avenues for growth. The manufacturing sector will also target niche markets through exports of value-added products.
Proposed is a nationwide broadband access, building IT skilled workforce: through training programmes, digitising government services boosting efficiency and transparency with a unique digital identity and online payment platforms.
Cyber security and data protection will be ensured safeguarding personal data through a draft Cyber Security Act and the data protection authority.
Empowering SMEs and Digital Payments, Supporting small businesses with DIGIGO digital Playbook and promoting cashless transactions through Lanka QR were the other components of the road map.
It will also promote datadriven agriculture and agritourism optimising agricultural yields and attracting visitors through agri-tourism.
Digital government, which makes up a large part of the Information Communication Technology Agency’s (ICTA) mandate, would empower citizens of Sri Lanka, allowing easy access to information.
It would help people in decision-making, ensure participation in governance at various levels, allow automated services for public welfare and streamline government functions while ensuring transparency, a high official of ICTA said.