Sri Lanka moving towards a digital economy - Prime Minister

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (right) with (from left) Indonesia Investment Coordinating Chairman Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Voith GmbH President and CEO Hubert Lienhard, Germany’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel and Deutsche Bank Senior Advisor and former Chief Executive Officer Jurgen Fitschen at the 15th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in Hong Kong, China 4 November – Reuters

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the government has recognized the need for a digital economy is taking measures to digitalize the administration in order to successfully face future economic and social challenges.

Taking part in the Ministers’ Dialogue Panel Discussion at the 15th Asia - Pacific Conference of German Business held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka is inviting investors to the country as an effort to bring a digital economy.

“Part of our industry, like the apparel industry, is digitalized. But the others aren’t. That’s why we are opening to be more competitive,” he said.

He said that Sri Lanka has recognized that the digital economy has to get priority in order to face future economic and social challenges and a number of innovative efforts have already been initiated.

The Premier said with regard to digitalization, free Wi-Fi zones have been set up throughout the country for the benefit of younger generation and Advanced Level students will be provided with free tablets.University students will be provided relief on the basis of credit to purchase laptops and. Special attention has been focused on providing vocational training to school leavers.

“We are increasing the number of institutions that are giving IT training. We need more engineers. We are welcoming investments in IT, education,” the Premier said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that making 13 years of schooling compulsory, and honing academic and professional skills, were a few of the important reforms currently being implemented in order to create a sound and firm Sri Lankan society. This would pave way for the country to bring forth a knowledgeable generation, he added.

During the Conference views and ideas were expressed on global economic challenges, globalization, investments and innovations, digitalization among others.