Colombo (LNW): The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka has revealed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will present proposals for the implementation of the Digi-Econ (DIGIECON) economic concept, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The DIGIECON initiative aims to generate a revenue of US$15 billion through digital economies by 2030, as outlined by Sachindra Samararatne, Deputy Chief Digital Economic Officer of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA).

In a significant development, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Technology to lead the establishment of the digital economy through extensive public and private partnerships, marking a notable milestone for Sri Lanka.

Samararatne emphasised that the Minister of State for Technology, Kanaka Herath, has successfully engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, and the resulting plan has been submitted to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

These details were shared by Sachindra Samararatne during his participation in the “101 Katha” programme produced by the President’s Media Division.

Full Statement:

“When discussing the possibilities with computers, ‘E Sri Lanka’ was deliberated. By 2015, the emphasis shifted from ‘e,’ and the digital era took centre stage, particularly with the advent of smartphones. Today, activities like buying and selling have undergone digitisation, a transformative change facilitated by the internet.

In line with the President’s guidance, Digi-Econ introduced an economic concept in 2015, aiming for success by 2030. The dynamic nature of the digital landscape necessitates continuous adaptation. The inaugural step toward constructing a digital economy, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, has been taken. The potential for digitisation to contribute up to 20% to the existing economy’s growth is substantial, promising significant economic improvement. Numerous individuals in Sri Lanka have played a role in shaping the digital economy policy.

Implemented in partnership with the public and private sectors, as well as the World Bank, details about this initiative are available on the Ministry of Technology’s website. The digital economy has significantly empowered the new generation, becoming an integral part of everyone’s economic participation.

The sustainability of this policy is evident due to strong government support, attracting substantial investments. International investors consider a country’s level of digitisation when making investment decisions. Providing governmental backing for the advancement of the digital economy is crucial and establishing an institution for this purpose would be beneficial. The inception of Digi-Econ was inspired by the President’s vision, advocating for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. The President is actively working to elevate the country’s economy by synergising these sectors.

Transforming the public mindset can accelerate economic development significantly, as evidenced by the economic progress of countries like Singapore and Malaysia. Studying their economic advancements is crucial, and we should establish an institution tailored to our model.

Many nations have propelled their digital economies through budgetary allocations. To foster the export sector, investing in the digital economy is imperative. Over the past decade, our IT organisation has collaborated with the World Bank, leading to rapid growth in Sri Lanka’s information technology industry. Specific strategies are necessary and an institutional framework with budgetary support is crucial to implementing the digital economy policy. Sponsorship empowers both the government and private sectors, positioning Sri Lanka’s economy for strength and growth.

Currently, 4.3% of GDP is allocated to the digital economy. Increasing this to 20% can robustly propel the digital economy forward. The impact of digitisation on public services and individual lives is apparent. President Ranil Wickremesinghe aims to present proposals for the Digi-Econ (DIGIECON) economic concept through this year’s budget, striving for a $15 billion income for Sri Lanka from digital economies by 2030.

The Information Technology Agency has laid the groundwork for a digital country. Building upon this foundation, envisioning a fully digitised nation is plausible. Our institutions have directed efforts to the Australian market from 2011 to 2018 and now it’s essential to establish a digital economic order to surpass the existing foundation. Strengthening the legal framework is vital.

Our institution has tailored a model based on Australia’s digital transformation, providing leadership training upon its introduction to Sri Lanka. Technical support is offered and the government is poised to provide necessary assistance. This unique opportunity demands that Sri Lanka fortify its digital economy to enhance productivity at individual and organisational levels. The qualitative impact of such productivity can swiftly advance the country’s overall economic development.”

Colombo (LNW): Prevailing showery conditions in the island are likely to continue further amidst low level atmospheric disturbance over the island, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology said in an advisory statement today (12).

Heavy showers above 100mm are likely to occur at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa districts, the statement added.

Colombo (LNW): Possible delays may be encountered by trains on the main line due to a technical malfunction of a train near Ambepussa Railway Station, as announced by the Railway Control Room.

This morning, an express train traveling from Kandy to Matara came to a halt due to a technical issue, as reported by Sri Lanka Railways.

The department is currently making efforts to rectify the situation and restore train services on the main line.

Colombo (LNW): Comprehensive efforts will be undertaken both within and outside Parliament to have the suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket, imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), lifted, Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga asserted.

The Minister emphasised that the government, under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is actively engaging in negotiations with the International Cricket Council to revoke the ban on cricket.

He acknowledged the widespread acceptance among citizens that Sri Lanka Cricket has been marred by corruption.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga highlighted the national significance of the issue, noting that all political parties and opposition groups in Parliament collaboratively passed a unanimous resolution to eradicate corruption within the Sri Lanka Cricket board. He emphasised that this collective action is not politically motivated.

Numerous international media outlets, including the Cricinfo website, reported that the International Cricket Council enforced the cricket ban on Sri Lanka following a request from Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva.

Minister Prasanna Ranatunga condemned Silva’s alleged request, asserting that Sri Lanka cricket belongs to the people and is not the personal property of any individual. He characterised such a request as a betrayal of the country, calling for immediate legal action by the relevant minister.

Expressing the need for unity among cricket enthusiasts to combat the corruption within the governing body, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga stated that the collective aspiration of every citizen and young cricketer in Sri Lanka is to reclaim the rightful place of cricket in the country. He assured that the government is persistently working towards achieving this goal.

Greetings to all Hindu devotees of Sri Lanka on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, a significant festival celebrating triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

Diwali festivities commemorate epic legends of victory secured by God Vishnu restoring the balance of good and evil in troubled times.

Devotees illuminate lamps and participate in religious rites, upholding the shared aspiration of infusing light within every soul.

Reflecting on the country’s recent experience of an unprecedented economic crisis, the government sought to have Sri Lanka navigate through unparalleled challenges. Presently, the nation is gradually embarking on a path of illuminated development, seeking to dispel the preceding times of darkness.

As we celebrate Diwali, it is my fervent hope that the nation unites on this occasion and becomes a beacon, igniting the lamps of prosperity across the country, steering Sri Lanka towards being a developed country by 2048.

May this festival of lights bring prosperity and wellbeing while extending happy Diwali wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindus worldwide.

Ranil Wickremesinghe,
President,
Democratic Socialist Republic
of Sri Lanka.

Colombo (LNW): The main suspect of the incident in which former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Janaka Ratnayake was subject to death threats in an attempt to extort of Rs. 1.5 million has been apprehended in possession of crystal methamphetamine, a statement by the Police Media Division disclosed.

The Colombo Crime Division initiated additional investigations into the matter following a complaint filed by the former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission at the Kirulapone Police Station.

The key suspect linked to the incident was detained by a team of officers from the Colombo Crime Division near the Wellampitiya Post Office, the Police Media Division further said.

The 42-year-old suspect, residing in the Sultanagoda area of Matara, was found in possession of 12.24 grams of crystal methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.

The suspect’s mobile phone has been confiscated by the police, and the Colombo Crime Division is conducting further inquiries into the incident, according to the statement.