It is to develop long-term partnerships that contribute to Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities, knowledge base and human capital while creating opportunities for investors.
The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the grand finale of Global CIO Forum on 23rd September in Colombo.
The World CIO 200, the flagship global leadership initiative of the Global CIO Forum, brings together Chief Information Officers and technology leaders who are shaping digital transformation across governments, enterprises and societies.
The forum, being held in Colombo from 22 to 24 September, brings together an international technology community for discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, cloud technologies, sustainable innovation and the future of digital leadership.
Delivering the speech at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that digital transformation is not simply a technological agenda for Sri Lanka, but an integral part of the country’s broader economic and social transformation.
The Prime Minister noted that the Government has placed digital transformation at the centre of its efforts to build a more productive, connected and inclusive economy, with a target of developing US$5 billion in digital exports, recognising technology as an important driver of future economic growth.
The Prime Minister further stated,
Digital transformation must serve a clear public purpose. Technology must improve people’s lives. It must expand access to opportunity, strengthen public services, support economic participation and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are widely shared.
Our objective is not simply to attract investment, but to develop long-term partnerships that contribute to Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities, knowledge base and human capital while creating opportunities for investors.
This also means addressing the digital divide. Access to devices, connectivity, digital skills and services cannot depend on where a person lives, their income, their language or their gender. We must ensure that women and girls are able to access digital technologies, develop digital skills and participate fully in the digital economy. Closing the gender digital divide is not only a question of access; it is also about ensuring women’s participation in the creation, use and governance of technology.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that technology is ultimately about people, creating opportunities for young people, enabling businesses to grow, improving public services and ensuring that innovation contributes to an inclusive and sustainable future.
The event was attended by Minister of Science and Technology and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, diplomatic core, Chief Information Officers and technology leaders who are shaping digital transformation across governments, enterprises and societies.
