SLASSCOM welcomes NPP, key new Ministers and officials appointments driving digital transformation

SLASSCOM, Sri Lanka’s national chamber for the knowledge and innovation sector, yesterday congratulated the National People’s Power (NPP) led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on securing a historical mandate and a majority in the Parliamentary Election whilst also extending best wishes to the newly appointed Cabinet and key Government officials. 

SLASSCOM believes this leadership team marks a pivotal stride towards positioning Sri Lanka as a global hub for innovation and technology-driven economic growth.

It extended special congratulations to the following leaders, whose roles are crucial to the advancement of the knowledge and innovation sector:

nPrime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, also the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, who is poised to transform Sri Lanka’s education system. Her commitment to modernising education will ensure the development of a future-ready workforce.

• Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, whose background as a CEO of a SLASSCOM member company equips him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of the sector. His leadership will accelerate digital transformation and strengthen public-private collaboration.
• Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, whose leadership promises to invigorate Sri Lanka’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscape. His focus on sustainable growth will help drive innovation and strengthen the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, a data scientist and leader from the knowledge and innovation sector whose expertise will invigorate entrepreneurship and the start-up ecosystem.
• nKrishantha Silva Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, who will lead efforts to advance research, innovation, and technology adoption, establishing Sri Lanka as a centre for technological excellence.
• Wasantha Samarasingha, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, whose focus on trade and economic resilience will create opportunities for synergies with the innovation and technology sectors.

SLASSCOM said together with these Ministers, the appointment of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy and Chairman of ICTA, marks a significant step towards advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and innovation agenda. Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath further strengthen Sri Lanka’s ability to implement cohesive strategies across key Government agencies. 

These experienced leaders are well-placed to drive initiatives that foster digital transformation, promote export growth, and attract foreign investment, ensuring a robust and resilient knowledge economy.

SLASSCOM Chairman Nishan Mendis said: “These appointments bring renewed hope and energy to Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem. We are confident that this leadership team, under the guidance of the President, will drive transformative policies and initiatives, enabling Sri Lanka to thrive in the global digital economy.”

Executive Director Chaminda de Silva said: “This is a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation sector. The leadership of these forward-thinking individuals provides a unique opportunity to align education, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship for the nation’s progress. SLASSCOM is committed to partnering with the Government to shape policies, drive innovation, and empower our talent to compete on the global stage.”

SLASSCOM said it stands ready to collaborate with the Government to build a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive knowledge economy, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the nation.