President calls for unified effort to drive digital transformation

Friday, 6 December 2024 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Outlines vision to fully digitise country within five years, upon assuming duties as Minister of Digital Economy
Expresses optimism in generating $ 15 b revenue from digital economy by 2030
Highlights need to shift from traditional infrastructure-driven approaches to technology-led reforms

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday called on professionals across the country to actively support the Government’s push for digital transformation, insisting on its critical role in modernising the economy and addressing systemic inefficiencies. Speaking after assuming duties as the Minister of Digital Economic Affairs, the President outlined a bold vision to fully digitise the country within five years, with the goal of generating $ 15 billion in revenue from the digital economy.

Dissanayake highlighted the transformative potential of digitalisation, noting its ability to enhance the efficiency of economic activities and elevate national productivity.

He also disclosed that the Government plans to expand the digital workforce to 200,000 and implement countrywide digital solutions to streamline public and private sector operations.

Noting that development is not just about constructing buildings but about transforming systems and attitudes to create a more efficient and equitable society, he underscored the need to shift from traditional infrastructure-driven approaches to technology-led reforms.

The President cited examples of inefficiencies in sectors such as education and labour, where heavy investments in infrastructure have failed to deliver meaningful outcomes. He noted that despite the Ministry of Labour owning large buildings; issues like long public queues persist, highlighting the urgent need for digital solutions.

Similarly, he pointed out that past discussion on education reforms were dominated by construction projects rather than systemic improvements.

Digitalisation, he stressed, offers a pathway to overcome these challenges and create lasting impact.

Eng. Eranga Weeraratne assumed duties as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy during this occasion.

The event was attended by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Affairs Hans Wijayasuriya, who is also the Chairman of ICTA, along with a group of officials.