(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – President Ranil Wickramasinghe said the government led by him is committed to building a digitalized modern Sri Lanka.
Launching “DIGIECON 2030” on Thursday at Temple Trees, the President said digitalizing the public sector and speeding up digitalization is the responsibility of the government, and a cabinet committee will be appointed for that purpose.
“DIGIECON 2030”, which was launched according to the concept of President Ranil Wickramasinghe, is a unique milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a digital economy. The program was organized by the Ministry of Technology.
The Ministry of Technology will coordinate and implement the project with the support of key stakeholders as the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to embrace digital technologies and innovative solutions to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
“DIGIECON 2030” will set up a platform for 50 or more innovative, small and medium start-ups in various fields to access global investments and markets.
Speaking further, President Ranil Wickramasinghe said that 100 million rupees will be allocated this year to start planning the digital policy by integrating universities and other research institutes.
The President also said that next year, one billion rupees will be allocated for conducting research focusing on artificial intelligence.
President Wickramasinghe said that there is no time to waste and pointed out that cooperation with the neighboring states should be done and that it is beneficial for Sri Lanka to work together with South India as a region that is developing very fast.
Pointing out that a highly competitive economy can be created through a green economy as well as a digital economy, the President also said that new technologies and innovative solutions must be embraced to be globally competitive and create sustainable economic growth.
President Wickramasinghe added that “DIGIECON 2030” will ensure that the government is focused on transforming Sri Lanka into a true digital economy in order to achieve those goals.
Kanaka Herath, Minister of State for Technology, speaking at the occasion said the implementation of “DIGIECOON 2030” marks a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a digital economy.
The Minister of State further stated that through “DIGIECON 2030”, steps will be taken to build a favorable business environment for investment by providing government commitment and direction to facilitate a digital ecosystem for all stakeholders.
Cabinet Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Susil Premajayantha, Ali Sabry, Kanchana Wijesekera, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Naseer Mohammad, Ministers of State Suren Raghavan, Arvind Kumar and other Ministers, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Technology Ministry Secretary Prof. Neranjan Gunawardena and others attended this event.
