Addressing a media briefing today (25), he said the country currently earns 1.6 billion dollars in foreign exchange from the digital industry and plans to increase that figure to 5 billion dollars within the next five years.
The Deputy Minister said digital transformation is not only about technology but about building a connected digital system that supports the national economy and improves the daily lives of citizens. He explained that the government plans to gradually shift cash-based transactions to digital platforms to improve efficiency and transparency.
He announced that the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity system is expected to be launched in the third or fourth quarter of this year. The system will help reduce delays in delivering public services and support data-based decision-making.
Systems such as “GovTech” will be introduced to improve data sharing between government institutions. Meanwhile, the “GovPay” platform for paying traffic fines is already operating successfully. By 2026, the government expects to enable all government payments through QR codes and other digital methods.
The Deputy Minister said the government also hopes to bring informal financial activities, especially in rural areas, into the formal digital system.
He further noted that the “CROPIX” digital agriculture platform will allow farmers to access important information, predict harvests and connect directly with markets without middlemen.
Talks are ongoing with international institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, to introduce new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 6G to Sri Lanka.
He added that a new Cyber Security Bill will be introduced to protect the country’s digital systems, while efforts are being made to retain skilled professionals and improve digital literacy among the public.
