Sri Lanka embarks on Society 5.0 journey: CSSL introduces bold vision at NITC 2024

CSSL President Dr. Ajantha Athukorala

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Udesh Weeraratna

NITC Conference Chair Udesh I.W. Seneviratna

The National Information Technology Conference (NITC) 2024, hosted by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s digital journey. Under the theme “Catalysing a Progressive Future: Towards Society 5.0,”the event introduced the transformative concept of Society 5.0 to the nation — a vision that integrates advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and Big Data into every facet of society. Originating in Japan, Society 5.0 aims to balance technological progress with social inclusivity and sustainability, providing a pathway for Sri Lanka to overcome its unique challenges while positioning itself as a regional leader in digital innovation.

The conference unfolded at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo on 24, 25, and 26 November 2024, brought together nearly 2,000 policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and tech innovators, sparking dialogue on how Sri Lanka could adapt Society 5.0 to foster sustainable economic growth, improve societal well-being, and bridge the urban-rural divide. The CSSL’s initiative highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to create a human-centric society where technology serves the people, addressing national challenges while propelling the country toward a resilient and inclusive future.

CSSL President Dr. Ajantha Athukorala, emphasised the significance of this step for Sri Lanka, “As a nation poised for economic recovery and digital transformation, Society 5.0 offers us a roadmap to tackle critical challenges while enhancing the quality of life for every Sri Lankan. By seamlessly integrating technology into society, we can create a future that is not only innovative but also inclusive and sustainable,” he stated during his keynote address. His words set the tone for the conference, highlighting the potential of Society 5.0 to be a transformative force for Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape.

Sri Lanka is at a crossroads, facing pressing challenges such as regional disparities, workforce concerns stemming from an aging population, the need for post-crisis economic recovery, and the imperative to achieve global competitiveness. Society 5.0, as envisioned at NITC 2024, offers a robust framework to address these challenges. It provides solutions that transcend traditional economic and technological approaches, emphasising the seamless integration of the cyber and physical worlds to create a smart, sustainable society.

The economic impact of Society 5.0 could be profound. Industries such as manufacturing and agriculture pillars of Sri Lanka’s economy stand to benefit significantly from automation, precision farming, and AI-driven analytics. These technologies can optimise production processes, reduce waste, and increase yields, ensuring Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global markets. Moreover, the emphasis on digital transformation offers unparalleled opportunities for the country’s thriving MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector. These enterprises, which form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, could leverage digital tools, cloud platforms, and global e-commerce channels to scale their operations and build resilience against market uncertainties.

Beyond economic growth, Society 5.0 promises to address deep rooted social challenges. Regional disparities, for instance, remain a significant barrier to Sri Lanka’s equitable development. By enhancing internet connectivity and implementing smart infrastructure, digital transformation can bring essential services such as education, healthcare, and financial services to underserved regions. This would not only empower rural communities but also create new economic opportunities across the country.

Another pressing issue is Sri Lanka’s aging population, which poses challenges to its workforce and healthcare systems. Society 5.0 offers innovative solutions, including AI-driven healthcare diagnostics, telemedicine, and robotic assistance, to improve the quality and accessibility of care. Such technologies could ensure that older citizens receive the support they need while alleviating the strain on Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure.

During the conference, CSSL highlighted several critical areas that require immediate attention to successfully transition into a Society 5.0 framework. Chief among these is the need for collaborative policy development. Dr. Athukorala called for joint efforts between the Government, private sector, academia, and international stakeholders to establish policies that foster innovation, ethical AI use, and inclusivity. “To realise the potential of Society 5.0, we must create an ecosystem where innovation thrives and technology is accessible to all,” he remarked and suggested recognising ICT Sector as an Industry by the relevant authorities. 

Dr. Athukorala also suggested establishing a Chartered Institution to recognise ICT Professionals as capacity building emerged as another focal point. As technology continues to evolve, equipping Sri Lanka’s workforce with future-ready skills is essential. Initiatives to upskill youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs in digital technologies could ensure a smooth transition and prepare the population for the jobs of tomorrow. These efforts, combined with investments in advanced digital infrastructure such as 5G, IoT networks, and cloud platforms, were identified as vital enablers for Society 5.0. 

Sustainability and green technology also featured prominently in the discussions. Society 5.0 aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s commitment to global climate goals. Technologies like smart grids, renewable energy systems, and efficient waste management align with the country’s green initiatives and could play a critical role in reducing environmental impact while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Cybersecurity and ethical technology use were also emphasised as foundational elements of Society 5.0. “As we embrace Society 5.0, cybersecurity and ethical use of technology must be top priorities. It is our responsibility to ensure these technologies are used for the betterment of all citizens while protecting their privacy and data,” stated Udesh I. W. Seneviratna, the conference chair. He also underscored the importance of fostering public trust in technology, which is critical for the successful adoption of Society 5.0. “As Sri Lanka embarks on a pivotal technological transformation, the theme ‘Catalysing a Progressive Future: Towards Society 5.0’ resonates deeply with our national aspirations since Society 5.0, a visionary concept from Japan, aims to create a human-centred society that harmonises economic growth with social problem solving through the seamless integration of cyberspace and physical space. For Sri Lanka, this theme represents not just an ideal but a practical road map for overcoming current challenges and fostering sustainable development” he further remarked. 

The Ministry of Digital Economy, Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Udesh Weeraratne, echoed this sentiment, “The Government is committed to creating an environment where innovation and technology can thrive. Society 5.0 is not just about adopting technology; it’s about building a smarter, more equitable Sri Lanka. Through public-private partnerships and policy support, we aim to foster an ecosystem that drives economic growth and societal well-being, and for this a dedicated Digital Economic Authority will be formed,” he remarked.

The NITC 2024 conference also explored the potential of Society 5.0 to transform Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. As one of the country’s key revenue generators, tourism could benefit significantly from smart technologies. Personalised travel experiences, efficient heritage site management, and eco-tourism initiatives could enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal to global travellers while ensuring sustainable practices.

As the conference concluded, the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration in realising this ambitious vision. CSSL’s leadership in introducing Society 5.0 positions it as a key player in steering Sri Lanka toward a smarter, more connected future. By fostering innovation, bridging regional disparities, and addressing pressing social challenges, Society 5.0 offers a transformative pathway for Sri Lanka to emerge as a leader in digital innovation and sustainable development.

The NITC 2024 reinforced its role as a platform for ground-breaking ideas and strategic initiatives. The focus on Society 5.0 this year was a call to action for all stakeholders: government, industry, academia, and civil society to work together in shaping a nation that is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

The vision of Society 5.0 is not merely about technology, it is about reimagining how technology can serve humanity. For Sri Lanka, this is a chance to innovate, rebuild, and thrive in an interconnected and inclusive global community. As CSSL continues to champion this transformation, the future of Sri Lanka as a smart, sustainable society looks brighter than ever.