How FITIS set Sri Lanka on path to $ 15 b digital economy by 2030

Outgoing Chairman Indika De Zoysa recaps key initiatives during the past two years

Outgoing Chairman  Indika De Zoysa

As Indika De Zoysa completes his dynamic two-year tenure as Chairman of the Federation of Information Technology (Guarantee) Ltd., (FITIS), the organisation finds itself at the heart of a profound national transformation.

Under his leadership, FITIS has played a pivotal role in reshaping the country’s digital future, setting into motion a long term vision to establish Sri Lanka as a global digital hub. His time at the helm was not only defined by ambition, but by action, strategy, and a deep commitment to national progress.

FITIS, during this period, emerged not just as a representative industry body, but as a key architect of the national digital economy framework. Taking leadership in this critical national agenda, FITIS under De Zoysa’s chairmanship worked in close partnership with both public and private stakeholders to develop a roadmap that would position Sri Lanka as a competitive and inclusive digital economy. The highlight of this transformative journey was the announcement of the ambitious target to build a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030 a bold but necessary step in realigning Sri Lanka’s economic priorities toward technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

The concept of a digital economy has evolved rapidly across the globe, and Sri Lanka, though small in size, holds immense potential due to its strategic location, talented workforce, and untapped digital resources. Recognising this, FITIS took on the responsibility to craft a blueprint that would leverage these advantages. Through De Zoysa’s strategic vision, FITIS initiated a series of national-level conversations and collaborations, aligning government ministries, regulatory bodies, academia, industry leaders, and international partners toward a common objective: making Sri Lanka a global center for digital excellence.

One of the most remarkable aspects of De Zoysa’s leadership was his ability to transform vision into actionable frameworks. He believed that technology should be a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and future resilience. Thus, FITIS began working with policymakers to update outdated regulations, introduce tech-friendly legislation, and establish enabling environments for digital entrepreneurship. These policy-level engagements were supported by extensive data and international benchmarking, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s roadmap was aligned with global trends and standards.

Beyond policymaking, FITIS played a hands-on role in building digital capacity at grassroots and enterprise levels. Under De Zoysa’s leadership, FITIS launched and supported numerous initiatives aimed at increasing digital literacy, promoting e-governance, and enhancing the capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technology. Recognizing the critical role of youth in the digital economy, FITIS also partnered with educational institutions and training bodies to equip students and professionals with future-ready skills in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI.

Another significant accomplishment during this term was FITIS’s role in nurturing the startup ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The organisation helped incubate and accelerate young tech companies, providing them with platforms to showcase their innovations, access to mentorship, and connections with both local and international investors. De Zoysa personally championed the idea that Sri Lanka could become a regional innovation hub if startups were given the right support structure, a belief that has already begun to materialise through growing interest in Sri Lankan tech ventures from abroad.

On the international front, FITIS under De Zoysa worked tirelessly to build Sri Lanka’s reputation as a digital destination. By participating in global forums, forming strategic alliances with international tech associations, and promoting cross-border investments, FITIS opened new doors for the industry. These efforts were essential not only to attract foreign investment but also to bring global knowledge and standards into the local ecosystem. The 15-billion-dollar goal was not just a financial target, it was a statement to the world that Sri Lanka was ready to compete on the global stage.

An important component of building a successful digital economy is infrastructure. Recognising this, FITIS worked with telecom providers, cloud service companies, and government agencies to accelerate infrastructure development, especially in underserved regions. De Zoysa emphasised the importance of inclusive growth  ensuring that digital transformation benefits all Sri Lankans, regardless of geography or socio-economic background. As a result, FITIS supported the expansion of digital services to rural communities, including digital banking, e-commerce platforms, and telemedicine initiatives.

Perhaps one of the most lasting legacies of De Zoysa’s chairmanship is the shift in national mindset regarding the role of digital technology. Through consistent engagement, advocacy, and visible progress, FITIS helped reposition technology as not just an industry, but as a fundamental enabler of growth across all sectors  from agriculture and education to tourism and manufacturing. This cross-sectoral integration of digital tools is a vital part of the 2030 vision, ensuring that every aspect of Sri Lankan society moves forward together.

Leadership, especially in a rapidly evolving domain like technology, requires more than technical knowledge; it demands vision, diplomacy, agility, and persistence. Indika De Zoysa brought all these qualities to FITIS, leading with purpose and authenticity. He inspired a culture of collaboration, where public institutions and private companies came together not out of obligation, but out of shared belief in the nation’s potential.

As his term ends, the momentum built under his leadership is clearly visible. The digital economy framework is now a recognised national agenda, the 2030 vision is guiding strategic investments, and the digital ecosystem is more connected and empowered than ever before. What was once a fragmented and siloed landscape is now a unified and purposeful movement. De Zoysa’s contribution to FITIS  and by extension, to the nation  goes beyond institutional achievements. He leaves behind a narrative of transformation, a new way of thinking, and a bold ambition for the future. The foundation he helped lay is strong, but the journey ahead is long. FITIS, with its renewed sense of direction, is well-equipped to take the next steps in achieving the 2030 vision and realising the full potential of Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

In reflecting on this milestone, it becomes clear that leadership matters. And in the case of FITIS, it was the right leadership at the right time. Indika De Zoysa’s tenure will be remembered as a turning point not just for the organisation, but for the entire country’s approach to digital development. His efforts have helped reimagine Sri Lanka not as a passive consumer of technology, but as an active creator and exporter of digital solutions. As the baton passes on to new leadership, the path ahead is clearer, bolder, and more achievable than ever before.

Sri Lanka’s aspiration to become a global digital hub is no longer a dream. It is a carefully constructed strategy, championed by those who dared to think big and act decisively. At the center of that story stands FITIS.