India commends Sri Lanka’s digital initiatives
The Morning: Initiatives like the GovPay platform and electronic certificates are part of Sri Lanka’s strategic push for digital transformation, according to High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.
Jha made this remark at the inaugural BIMSTEC Digital Conclave held in Colombo on 7 February.
In his address, Jha commended the Sri Lankan government’s efforts, led by President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, to leverage digital technologies for national development.
The recent launch of the GovPay platform, designed to digitise government payments, alongside the introduction of electronic birth, marriage, and death certificates for Sri Lankans abroad, is expected to streamline these services.
“These initiatives form part of the special emphasis laid on digital transformation by the Sri Lankan Government,” Jha said.
Jha also highlighted the importance of BIMSTEC, especially with Sri Lanka taking the lead role in science, technology, and innovation.
“BIMSTEC seeks to re-energise the region’s shared history and ethos with new areas of cooperation, new resources, and a renewed commitment for cooperation among the Bay of Bengal nations,” Jha said.
A key theme of Jha’s speech was India-Sri Lanka digital cooperation. He outlined the India-assisted INR 300 crore Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project, a major step in enhancing Sri Lanka’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
“A joint working group on digital economy has also been set up,” he shared, emphasising the importance of this bilateral collaboration in driving mutual digital growth.
India’s experience with digital platforms was highlighted as a valuable resource for Sri Lanka. The successful implementation of India’s GeM portal, PM Gati Shakti digital platform, and UPI payments is seen as a model for Sri Lanka’s own digital transformation.
Jha pointed to the GeM portal’s savings of $ 13 billion in the past decade and the significant increase in infrastructure development through Gati Shakti as key examples of how digital platforms can drive efficiency and transparency.
“We are now looking at extending the use of UPI digital payments for the benefit of both countries,” Jha added. “India is ready and willing to share our journey with our closest maritime neighbour Sri Lanka, and our BIMSTEC partners.”
OSL take:
The ongoing economic activities in Sri Lanka and the overall economic expansion as the country is focused on becoming a hub in the South Asian region, have all resulted in the growth of the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. The resultant expansion of business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure sectors therefore present lucrative business ventures for foreign businesses/investors. The growth and profits recorded by local businesses in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors and the overall expansion in the country’s economy all indicate the growing need for Sri Lanka to be on par with the fast-evolving global ICT and digital trends as well as the increasing business potential in these key sectors. The interest shown by foreign businesses/investors to explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors present not only direct business opportunities, but also indirect opportunities. Foreign businesses could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors with the aim of further expanding operations local and internationally. The increasing potential in these sectors have resulted in the Sri Lankan government targeting an increased revenue to the country through exports related to the digital industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/2025021/Z_2 |