By: Isuru Parakrama
June 04, Colombo (LNW): The government has begun rolling out a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernising the public sector and advancing the country’s transition towards a fully-fledged digital economy, with a strong emphasis on upgrading the technological capabilities of state employees.
The programme was reviewed during a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, alongside officials involved in public sector reform and digital development.
The initiative seeks to streamline government operations by embracing modern technologies, improving service delivery standards and reducing administrative delays that often affect citizens and businesses. Authorities believe that greater digital integration across state institutions will help create a more responsive and efficient public service.
A major component of the programme focuses on strengthening digital literacy among public officials at all levels. Particular attention will be given to encouraging the adoption of new technologies among senior administrators, while also expanding awareness of cyber threats, data protection and safe online practices.
To support these efforts, plans are being developed to launch a nationwide digital learning platform capable of reaching a large number of public servants. Training will be delivered through a combination of structured online courses and short mobile-friendly lessons designed to make learning more accessible and convenient.
Officials are also considering linking digital competency training to career progression within the public service. Under the proposal, completion of designated courses could become a factor in annual performance assessments and future promotions.
The programme will further utilise existing infrastructure, including office-based facilities and school computer laboratories, to conduct training sessions outside regular working hours. Innovative learning methods, including interactive and gamified content, are expected to be introduced, while participants who successfully complete courses will receive digitally verified certificates.
The long-term strategy is built around three key pillars: enhancing the skills of the current workforce, establishing digital qualifications as a requirement for future public sector recruitment, and aligning educational curricula with the demands of an increasingly technology-driven economy.
As part of the initial implementation phase, government employees are expected to undergo introductory cybersecurity training and receive practical instruction on the effective use of official digital communication platforms, collaborative work tools and electronic service systems.
