Sri Lanka has unveiled an ambitious five-year roadmap to transform its digital economy, aiming for a fivefold boost in digital GDP—from 3–4% to over 15%—alongside a threefold surge in digital exports and a doubling of the digital workforce to 200,000.
The plan, presented by Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, marks a significant pivot from past fragmented digital efforts to a comprehensive, trust-driven strategy aimed at making Sri Lanka globally competitive.
Speaking at the inaugural Data Privacy and Protection Summit in Colombo, Dr. Wijayasuriya described the digital economy as a “whole-of-economy tool” for macroeconomic acceleration. The roadmap positions digital infrastructure, trust-based governance, legal frameworks, and institutional reform as cornerstones of this transformation.
In contrast to previous administrations’ slower, more isolated efforts—such as the early introduction of broadband and e-government services under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration and sporadic attempts at digitisation since 2010—this new strategy embraces integration and interoperability.
Earlier momentum was stalled due to weak policy design, limited cross-sector alignment, and siloed digital infrastructure, Dr. Wijayasuriya noted.
Now, the government plans to develop an open-source, API-driven digital public infrastructure. Key components include a unique digital identity, biometric verification, federated data exchanges, e-lockers, and digital signatures—all enabling plug-and-play access for private innovators and public service providers.
“We don’t need to rebuild the grid, just plug into it,” he remarked, stressing the need for scalable, efficient systems across healthcare, education, finance, and transport.
Crucially, the new framework mandates universal broadband access, improved affordability, and expanded digital literacy nationwide—ensuring that rural and underprivileged areas are not left behind.
Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasised that digital transformation must also be cultural and managerial, requiring Ministries, civil services, and businesses to integrate digital operations as core strategy—not side projects.
The strategy introduces robust governance mechanisms, including a new Digital Economy Act, updates to cybersecurity legislation, and full enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Institutions like the Digital Economy Authority and Data Protection Authority will steer regulatory oversight, ensuring global-standard data privacy, ethical tech use, and internet governance.
To address infrastructure gaps, particularly in AI computing, the blueprint recommends hybrid cloud-first models and data embassies to lower costs while preserving data sovereignty. Innovation-enabling regulation—such as sandboxes and gradual law enforcement—will encourage experimentation without risking compliance.
As Dr. Wijayasuriya put it, “Governance and trust—not just low cost—are today’s benchmarks for digital competitiveness.” The strategy empowers local startups, supports initiatives like Code4Lanka, and seeks to modernise public administration and citizen services using AI and smart technologies.
With execution now in the spotlight, Sri Lanka’s bold digital pivot depends on timely coordination across sectors. The vision is clear: shift the entire economy—not just tech—and make Sri Lanka a global digital force.
