The initiative is being launched as a key component of the government’s digital economy strategy to digitise public institutions with the aim of improving the quality and efficiency of the public sector system.
According to Circular No. 3/2026 issued by the Presidential Secretariat, coordinating executive officers were informed to submit applications from capable and qualified officers currently serving in public institutions to represent the “Champions Network” in driving digital transformation.
Speaking at the event, Hans Wijayasuriya, who also serves as Chairman of the ICTA, stated that the government aims to increase Sri Lanka’s digital economy contribution from the current 3% level to 12% by 2030.
He explained that digital economic development is a process aimed at improving efficiency, quality and revenue growth through the use of information and communication technology in economic activities.
Dr. Wijayasuriya pointed out that developed countries have significantly expanded their digital economies, while the slow growth of digital economies remains a major challenge for many developing nations.
However, he noted that India has made remarkable progress in digital economic development, adding that elevating Sri Lanka’s digital economy to a similarly advanced level is one of the government’s key objectives.
He further stressed that digital economic growth must take place across nearly all public institutions simultaneously.
According to Dr. Wijayasuriya, within the next three years, coordination and transactions among government institutions are expected to become fully networked in a manner similar to modern banking systems.
He also emphasized that the cooperation of both public sector institutions and citizens across the country will be essential for the success of this large-scale technological transformation.
Meanwhile, Ranil Peiris from the Department of Information Technology of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura briefed participants on the core foundation of the PIC-NET programme and its future plans.
He stated that the initiative would eventually enable citizens to access services such as applying for passports and renewing licences entirely online from their homes.
He further noted that the system would eliminate the need for citizens to repeatedly submit the same information to different institutions.
Representatives from the Presidential Secretariat, GovTech Sri Lanka and KPMG also presented future plans regarding the selection and training of officers.
The programme for public sector digitalisation is being implemented with guidance and coordination support from the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Digital Economy, GovTech Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank.
