Development partners launch working group to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation
Daily FT: Sri Lanka has taken another step toward advancing its digital transformation agenda with the inaugural meeting of the newly established Development Partner Working Group on Digital Transformation, held recently.
The newly established working group is expected to serve as a platform for closer collaboration among the Government, the UN, and development partners in supporting Sri Lanka’s digital transformation efforts.
The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and sustainable digital future by ensuring that all Sri Lankans have equal access to quality digital services and opportunities, while strengthening the country’s capacity to meet its long-term development goals.
The meeting was co-chaired by Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-André Franche. Also in attendance were Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, representatives of the UN and a broad group of international development partners.
The discussions emphasised that technology alone is not sufficient to ensure the success of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. Participants highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce and strengthening institutional capacity to deliver efficient, people-centered digital public services.
A key focus of the meeting was enhancing coordination between the Government of Sri Lanka and its development partners to accelerate the delivery of accessible and citizen-friendly digital services. Participants also discussed the implementation of structured training programs aimed at strengthening State institutions responsible for digital service delivery and improving the capabilities of public officials.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s accelerating digital transformation is creating a growing range of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors as the Sri Lankan government intensifies efforts to build a modern, technology-driven economy and position the country as an emerging digital hub in South Asia. The establishment of the Development Partner Working Group on Digital Transformation underscores the country’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, improving public services and strengthening collaboration with international development partners. As digitalisation becomes a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s economic strategy, demand is expected to increase for private sector participation in technology-driven projects and innovation-led investments. Business/investment opportunities are emerging across information and communication technology (ICT), software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital payments, business process outsourcing (BPO), data centres, smart city solutions and digital public infrastructure. Growing demand for digital government services, e-commerce platforms, digital identity systems, education technology and health technology are also creating new avenues for investment and strategic partnerships. With Sri Lanka seeking to enhance digital connectivity, improve productivity and attract knowledge-based industries, foreign businesses/investors have an opportunity to participate in the country’s expanding digital ecosystem while supporting its ambition to become a competitive regional destination for technology, innovation and digital services.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260805Z_4 |