State Minister Herath highlights 5G as transformative leap for digital economy

State Minister Kanaka Herath

The nation’s first-ever 5G Summit took place last week at the ITC Grand Ratnadipa, marking a significant step towards Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. 

The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the strategic development and implementation of 5G technology in the country.

“Our ‘Online and Digital First’ policy is the foundation of the Digital Economy Strategy 2030,” said Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath, addressing the gathering as the keynote speaker. “This strategy is a comprehensive plan to enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and digital literacy across the nation, with 5G technology at its forefront.”

Minister Herath continued: “We firmly believe that 5G is more than just an upgrade. It’s a transformative leap with the potential to revolutionise every sector, from building smarter cities and improving healthcare to reimagining entertainment. Moreover, 5G’s capabilities will significantly support our AI strategy, particularly with the upcoming implementation of our national AI centre.”

Key topics addressed at the summit included:

• Global industry perspective on 5G: Examining worldwide trends and best practices in 5G deployment.
• 5G and digital Sri Lanka: Exploring how 5G technology can support the Government’s ambitious Digital Economy Strategy 2030.
• New services and business success: Identifying opportunities for innovation and growth in the 5G era.
• International regulatory perspectives: Learning from the experiences of other countries, such as the Maldives.

 The summit underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to harnessing 5G technology to drive economic growth, improve public services, and create a more digitally inclusive society.

With ambitious goals and a clear roadmap, the nation is poised to become a leader in the region’s digital landscape.