AKD signals digital economy push

Saturday, 2 November 2024 04:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presents letter of appointment as Chief Advisor on Digital Economy to Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya

Appoints Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya as Chief Advisor on Digital Economy
Top professional to step down from Axiata Group from 15 January and assume role of Non-Executive Chairman of ICTA Board
Dr. Wijayasuriya to become Secretary of newly constituted Ministry of Digital Economy under direct purview of President, and Chair of Digital Economy Authority, an apex body with mandate to oversee digital economy acceleration and give leadership to ambitious digital transformation aspirations of new Govt.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed top industry professional Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya as the Chief Advisor on Digital Economy along with key future tasks signalling the Government’s strong intent to succeed in digital transformation.

President Dissanayake has espoused and reiterated a bold vision and personal commitment to elevate Sri Lanka’s digital economy to a level on par with the most advanced nations in the region, envisaging acceleration of economic growth, national competitiveness and delivery of tangible benefits to all citizens, a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

It said the Government is strongly committed to multi-sectoral digital transformation through the elevation of Sri Lanka’s information and communication technology and digital infrastructure sectors to global standards, and the establishment of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to deliver inclusive citizen empowerment. The Government plans to foster technological advancement to enable the capture of leap-frog opportunities with respect to economic and social development leading to a progressive digital economy and an enhanced quality of life for all citizens.

“Dr. Wijayasuriya’s appointment is a key move with regard to bringing to fruition this vision,” the PMD said.

A renowned figure in the ICT landscape internationally, Dr. Wijayasuriya, is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director at Axiata Group Bhd, a position he has announced he will step down from 15 January 2025 following a transition period.

PMD also said Dr. Wijayasuriya will lead the Board of the ICTA in the capacity of Non-Executive Chairman, enabling the activation of program planning and preparation activities related to the ambitious digital transformation aspirations of the new Government. He will subsequently take up several executive leadership roles within the institutional framework related to the digital economy following relevant legislative enactment. These include Secretary of a newly constituted Ministry of Digital Economy under the direct purview of the President, and Chair of the Digital Economy Authority, an apex body that will be mandated to oversee Digital Economy Acceleration.