National Digital Strategy to accelerate Sri Lanka’s path to a developed country

While Sri Lanka is poised to be amongst the digital leader in the Asia Pacific with the integration of digital technologies and compete globally in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills, the implementation of a National Digital Strategy for the country will accelerate its path towards becoming a developed nation.

The strategy should position Sri Lanka to use digital technologies to enhance economic competitiveness to drive exports and foreign exchange earnings, create high paying jobs for young people, women, and rural populations and deliver trusted and inclusive public services to everyone, everywhere.

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka has presented a National Digital Strategy 2030 policy under six thematic areas; broadband connectivity, access and use, digital data and services infrastructure, digital transactions, digital safeguards, digital industry, skills and jobs and accelerate digitisation of key economic sectors.

The policy also focuses on cross-cutting areas of attention on digital for climate, social inclusion, private capital mobilisation, institutional and legal reforms and capacity development and incorporating the Sri Lankan identity.

Six thematic working groups will work on the six areas of policy implementation to develop a comprehensive document with recommendations that would align with the broader goals of the national digital economy strategy through an interactive process. Each group will factor in the areas of attention narrowing the gap in access, adoption, and usage of digital technologies, data, and services by reducing affordability, cultural, and physical barriers, and utilising digital tools to expand access to markets, employment, and educational opportunities for all.

The thematic working groups will support the high-level official committee on digital economy which will be the main working committee carrying out the development of the main digital economy strategy and roadmaps.

The committee will advise the government on creating a comprehensive national digital strategy that reflects the government's vision for the country's digital future. The strategy should identify the critical areas for investment and development in the digital economy, such as infrastructure, data governance, cyber security, and digital skills.

A timeline to implement the strategy was outlined between March and November last year.