News Today: Plans underway for the growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy

Sri Lanka is making major strides in digital transformation, with plans to expand its digital workforce to 200,000 by 2030 and grow the digital economy to $15 billion, accounting for 12% of the GDP.

The announcement was made by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, during his keynote speech at Chamber Summit 2025. He emphasized that digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about mindset, ambition, and determination.

Expanding the Digital Workforce & Upskilling

Dr. Wijayasuriya stressed that expanding the workforce is not just about numbers but also about significant upskilling and reskilling. He warned against an “island mentality” in a globally connected digital world, urging Sri Lanka to adopt a global outlook to attract international investments and expertise.

To fuel this transformation, the government has set a bold target to increase digital exports from USD 1.5 billion to USD 5 billion. This expansion is expected to boost GDP and position Sri Lanka as a regional digital hub.

Private Sector to Drive Digital Growth

One of the key shifts in this strategy is the emphasis on private sector involvement. Dr. Wijayasuriya stated, “The government should not be cutting checks for digital transformation—the private sector must drive it.” This highlights a policy shift towards public-private partnerships to accelerate digital adoption.

Modernizing Government Digital Services

A crucial part of this transformation is overhauling outdated government digital infrastructures. Dr. Wijayasuriya highlighted the importance of shifting towards a talent-driven, agile, and innovation-led ecosystem.

He further emphasized that trust and service quality are key pillars of digital transformation, stating, “Digital means trust—we must build an unpenetrable trust framework for citizens, businesses, and investors.”

A Roadmap for Inclusive Growth

Beyond economic expansion, the digital transformation strategy also aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusive growth. Enhancing digital skills, modernizing infrastructure, and updating regulations will help create a sustainable and innovation-driven economy.

As Sri Lanka positions itself on the global digital stage, the commitment to workforce training, infrastructure development, and digital governance reforms signals a promising future for sustainable economic growth.