Message from Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure

As the Minister in charge of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, I wish to take this opportunity to extend my sincere wishes for the success of INFOTEL 2017 and encourage industry stakeholders to exploit this opportunity fully and help transform Sri Lanka through information technology.

I am proud to be associated with this event as the Chairman of the Steering Committee. It also holds special significance at a time when the Ministry is spearheading the drafting of digital strategy and road map for Sri Lanka, cutting across all sectors and incorporating new technologies and trends of information and communication technology(ICT).

Information and communication technology has not only permeated every facet of our lives, but has also become a critical infrastructure for our economy. We are committed to transforming Sri Lanka into a digitally inclusive with opportunities for all.I believe in partnerships, and together, we can bring the enormous benefits of digital technologies to more people, more quickly.

However, all this requires the establishment of a supportive environment conducive for innovation and risk-taking, resulting in private sector led ideas and services. Together with my Ministry, I am singularly committed to creating such an environment; one that stimulates appropriate investment, supports the entry of entrepreneurs, and encourages start-ups.

Let me appeal to each and every one of you to bring your energy and enthusiasm into INFOTEL to enable all Sri Lankans access and create extraordinary social and economic benefits in the not too distant future!

Minister Harin Fernando