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President Ranil Wickremesinghe
President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed yesterday that embracing ICT is no longer a choice but a necessity.
Speaking at the National ICT Awards NBQSA 2023 on Wednesday organised by the British Computer Society the Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section, he explained the significance of digital transformation in securing Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity.
Drawing from his extensive background in information technology, dating back to the 1980s, Wickremesinghe urged all to recognise the significance of the future.
“The future is in your hand and your success is the country’s success,” he added.
Reflecting on his earlier efforts as the Education Minister to introduce IT in Sri Lanka, the President acknowledged the missed opportunities and economic setbacks resulting from underutilising the global IT wave.
However, he insisted that it was time to move beyond past failures, with the present representing Sri Lanka’s final opportunity to partake in the digital revolution.
The President also outlined a definitive vision for Sri Lanka’s future, marking a pivotal shift towards collective responsibility and progress.
He also advocated the need for a well-defined roadmap and adequate funding to materialise this digital transformation. He also noted the potential requirement for foreign investments to expedite the process, given the rapid pace of technological advancements.
As the country looks forward to the upcoming year, he outlined the importance of collective efforts, underlining that success is contingent on collaboration between the Government and its citizens.
The President narrated a comprehensive vision for Sri Lanka’s digital future, centred on competitiveness, green transformation and digital transformation.
He acknowledged that this journey is not devoid of challenges and necessitates not only favourable laws and regulations but also substantial investment in digital infrastructure and human capital development.
“In building a highly competitive and contemporary economy, I have highlighted two additional crucial components. First is the promotion of a green economy, leveraging our renewable energy resources and embracing the global trend towards sustainability, recognising the ongoing global green transformation,” he said.
In the upcoming Budget speech scheduled for next month, the initial phases of this reinvigorated economic vision will be delineated, he added.
“Simultaneously, we will introduce legislation to facilitate this transition. It’s worth noting that our economic history witnessed a pivotal shift in 1977 when laws governing a state-controlled socialist economy were repealed, ushering in a market-oriented economic model,” he said.
Wickremesinghe encouraged collaborative efforts between the private sector and the Government to foster IT human capital across all levels, from postgraduates to skilled workers, recognising that Government initiatives alone may prove inadequate.
The President called on the ICT industry to accept the challenge, drawing parallels with the transformative journey undertaken by the apparel industry in the past. He expressed optimism regarding the industry’s potential and underscored the urgency of advancing Sri Lanka’s progression towards a digital future.
In recognition of outstanding commitment toward the development of ICT products and services, several IT institutions received awards from President Wickremesinghe.
BCS Chairman Alanzo Doll presented a memento to the President appreciating his presence.
State Minister of Information Technology Kanaka Herath, Executive Committee members, past Chairmen and other officials of the BCS Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section, attended the event while BSC Group CEO Rashik Parmar addressed the gathering via video technology from the United Kingdom.
