By: Staff Writer

November 19, Colombo (LNW): The MTD is pushing ahead with the long-awaited massive digital transformation, aimed at increasing efficiency, cutting down corruption, and convenience for the general public.

Accordingly, the e-Motoring project that has been underway to digitize and streamline vehicle registration and other related services will be resumed.

In this regard, a proposal for cabinet approval is shortly to be submitted to the newly appointed cabinet, said Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasingha.

E-Motoring Project to Streamline Services

The e-Motoring initiative focuses on the development and implementation of an integrated information communication technology (ICT) solution to enhance the efficiency of services provided by the Department of Motor Traffic and the Provincial Department of Motor Traffic.

 It seeks to eliminate the existing, outdated Motor Vehicle Registration system, introduce new best practices, and enhance processes for vehicle registration and importation to facilitate the convenience and efficiency of the general public.

This initiative is all part of the government’s intention to upgrade public services through digitalization. A project implementation site has already been approved; its implementation is expected this year.

Challenges against Modernization Efforts

In addition to the government’s push for digitization, the project certainly faces a myriad of obstacles. These include outdated systems, slow progress, and resistance from some officials benefiting from the status quo.

The digitization effort, which was undertaken starting in 2018, had run into procurement delays and administrative inefficiencies that, at times, have been linked to bureaucratic red tape.

Changes in government leadership have also further complicated this process and led to inconsistent decision-making.

Apart from the fact that it is quite outdated, not having been updated for well over 20 years, frequent changes in senior officials mean that many retire or get transferred before projects are complete.

This infrastructure cannot also support modern technologies, with most of them having to rely on vendors for outsourcing and giving up on projects in some cases.

Corruption and Internal Resistance

Internal resistance from the few MTD officials, some of whom benefit from the old system, has obstructed success. Whiffs of corruption and fraudulent practices blew in, and the Bribery Commission launched investigations, suspending several officials. The present system, characterized by poor organization and inadequate archiving of documents related to vehicle registration, is prone to such malpractices.

Progress despite Setbacks

Despite these challenges, Commissioner General Weerasingha has been trying to implement some reforms to ensure smoother operations.

 For instance, the department has started scanning and archiving documents related to the registration of vehicles for better recordkeeping. Even though the system is yet to get full approval, these will help iron out inefficiencies in the system.

Weerasingha is also hoping to extend this system at the present Narahenpita building itself without shifting, which was earlier proposed.

Successes exist amidst the challenges faced by the department. Revenue has gone up during the tenure of Weerasingha despite restrictions on vehicle imports.

A backlog of over 950 000 pending driving license applications has been almost cleared with a total of 95 percent processed.

Future Plans

Going forward, the MTD will introduce an e-Driving License system, which will be accessible through mobile phones.

A new system will also be developed to handle traffic offenses using a demerit point system, where fines against offenders can be paid in real time.

 Although it will take some time to get the MTD fully digitized, it is doing quite well in changing its activities and serving the people.

By: Staff Writer

November 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s government plans to consolidate over 50 ICT-related bodies under a single authority, according to National Enterprise Development Authority Director,

Dhanuka Liyanagamage. Speaking at the launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (GEW) at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, he emphasized the need for streamlined operations among these organizations. “Currently, some of these institutions, either intentionally or unintentionally, operate as rivals,” he noted.

Harsha Purasinghe, Chairman and CEO of Microimage, announced that a new Digital Economy Authority is being established to unify these bodies.

 The first board meeting for this initiative took place last week. By centralizing ICT efforts, the government aims to increase productivity and efficiency in the sector, ultimately benefiting the country.

However, Liyanagamage expressed concern over Sri Lanka’s low rate of entrepreneurship, with only about 3% of the working population engaged in entrepreneurial activities.

This figure lags behind neighboring countries like Bangladesh, where the rate stands at 7%. Liyanagamage emphasized the need to raise Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial participation to at least 10% within the next three to five years.

He also highlighted the importance of increasing financial literacy, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to bridge existing gaps. To address this, awareness programs are being planned to help boost entrepreneurial skills.

Sandun Hapugoda, Mastercard’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, underscored the critical role of SMEs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the economy, as they make up 19% of all businesses.

Supporting these entities is crucial, he said, as embracing digital solutions could expand their market reach, both locally and internationally.

Through initiatives like the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth, the company has supported 14 million businesses globally over the past five years, with 60% of them owned by women.

The year 2024 has already shown promising signs for entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. In the third quarter alone, 7,143 new businesses were registered, reflecting a 14.37% year-on-year increase. Between January and September,

19,784 businesses were launched, marking an 18% growth compared to the same period last year. This progress signals a steady recovery from the economic challenges of 2022.

GEW 2024, themed “Entrepreneurship is for everyone,” will feature over 200 events throughout Sri Lanka’s 25 districts. Supported by more than 100 ecosystem partners and 20 universities, the initiative is expected to draw over 20,000 participants.

The week-long celebration will provide a platform for sharing ideas, forming valuable connections, and honoring the entrepreneurial spirit that drives global development.

By: Staff Writer

November 19, Colombo (LNW): Tourism in Sri Lanka has reached a major milestone, with the arrival of over 1.7 million tourists so far in 2024. Over 100,000 visitors have arrived in the first 17 days of November, setting up a strong surge in tourism as the holiday season approaches.

The virtuous momentum has propelled Sri Lanka Tourism to alter its marketing strategy, moving away from fragmented campaigns that it had been running to introduce one unified national brand.

This newly crafted approach seeks to create and position Sri Lanka as an all-season destination while ensuring maximum return on investment.

The national rebranding effort is expected to start in January 2025 with full promotional activities starting in May. “Creative assets for the campaign will be finalized by the end of this year,” said Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism.

This is done to ensure that Sri Lanka produces one comprehensive and coherent image that will appeal to the broad spectrum of global travelers to visit the country any time of the year.

But the tourism industry, which experienced challenges in the first half of 2024, including disruptions in visa issuance between April and September of this year, seems to be unscathed.

In November alone, 103,315 tourists arrived, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to 1.72 million. Industry analysts are optimistic that the country will surpass its revised target of 2 million visitors by the end of the year.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects nearly 200,000 arrivals for November, driven by heightened demand during the winter season.

India has been the leading source market, contributing 23,660 tourists in the first 17 days of November and 346,633 year-to-date (YTD). Russia and Germany followed, with 16,602 and 7,776 arrivals respectively. Russia has also overtaken the UK as the second-largest market with 154,201 visitors so far in 2024.

Better airline connectivity has boosted the recent tourism boom in the country. Charter flights, which stopped after the end of the civil war, restarted from Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, while major carriers increased their frequencies.

This trend is likely to persist during the winter season, given that Sri Lanka was recently ranked as the “Most Desirable Island” by the UK’s Wanderlust travel magazine.

Going forward, Sri Lanka Tourism is leveraging the momentum with focused marketing and enhancing infrastructure to match demand.

This will also form the bedrock of future promotions in the form of a nationally branded campaign, highlighting multi-dimensional appeal and prospects as a 365-day destination.

Industry players, however, observed that improvement in the sector still has to be addressed in streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business to avoid such disruptions in the future.

Despite these disruptions, the tourism sector should post a good close to 2024 with a proper strategy toward continued growth next year.

By: Staff Writer

November 19, Colombo (LNW): The Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka has introduced an ambitious five-year strategic plan that will transform the maritime industry in the country.

 The initiative for strategic partnership development, infrastructure building, and regulatory reforms has the aim of establishing Sri Lanka as a major maritime hub in the Indian Ocean by 2029.

The plan taps into Sri Lanka’s strategic location and its membership with ICOMIA to leverage economic growth and maritime innovation towards this ambitious target of $2 billion in revenue.

Current Maritime Landscape and Growth Potential

The maritime sector, including boat exports, fisheries, and making boats, contributed 1.4% to the GDP of Sri Lanka, with a value of $78.5 million in 2023.

The industry directly employs 115,000 persons and indirectly another 100,000 through other industries related to it.

The sector has earned export revenues of over $200 million between 2019 and 2023. Yet, with the country’s strategic location and extensive coastline, transformative growth is very possible.

The strategy by CMISL is to leverage this opportunity and position Sri Lanka as a key player in the global maritime economy.

Infrastructure and Manufacturing Upgrades

The dual-purpose harbours will be developed according to the strategic plan. These are indicative of upgrading 21 existing fisheries harbours to ensure their commercial fishery and marine tourism usage.

Similarly, major ports like Galle and Trincomalee are to receive substantial improvement to increase their capacity. Besides, other regional harbours such as Beruwala, Mirissa, Point Pedro, and Kapparatota are slated for modernization in line with the emerging requirements of the industry.

It is to be expanded, and the manufacturing sector currently comprises 55 local boatyards and eight export-oriented manufacturers.

Development of critical infrastructure-slipway facilities in Negombo, Beruwala, and Welipatanwila-is envisaged to facilitate efficient transport of vessels from manufacturing sites to launch points and will contribute towards higher efficiency and a rise in the output of local manufacturers.

Additional support from the RDA and the CEB will be provided, including widening the access road and shifting power lines, to ensure the easy movement of boats and yachts.

 Specialized Ports and Economic Impact

Specialization of ports is the other main emphasis of the program. The Trincomalee Deep-Water Port will be developed to include a dry dock that will attract foreign direct investment from firms in marine services.

 This will establish Trincomalee as a center for marine-related services, which, in turn, will contribute to economic development by attracting ancillary industries.

In the same vein, Galle Port will act as a venue for luxury yachts and a display site for local boat builders until the Galle Port Mega Marina is developed. This will increase nautical tourism and provide an opportunity to enhance local craftsmanship.

Incorporating Technology and Innovation

The strategic plan also focuses on integrating more technology to upgrade the maritime industry. Training in VR and AI will be conducted for better efficiency and improved learning. Green propulsion systems and the Internet of Things will be integrated, adding sustainability to operations. Advanced aquaculture technology will support viable fishing methods. Digital systems for data collection will contribute to the management of resources for sustainable ecological balance in the long term.