Sri Lanka has taken another step towards strengthening its digital economy, with government and industry stakeholders reviewing a strategic roadmap aimed at increasing the country’s digital export earnings to US$5 billion by 2030.
The national workshop, titled “The Road to US$5 Billion,” was held in Colombo on July 31 to validate the proposed strategy and build consensus on measures needed to accelerate the growth and international competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s digital industry.
Organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and GovTech Sri Lanka, with technical assistance from the World Bank Group, the workshop brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, academics, startups, development partners and Sri Lankan professionals based overseas.
The event featured opening remarks by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Chairman of GovTech Sri Lanka and Chief Presidential Advisor on the Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, and IFC Principal Country Officer of the World Bank Group Victor Antonypillai.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and representatives from both the public and private sectors also participated in the workshop.
A key component of the event was the presentation of the Sri Lanka Information Technology Industry Assessment Report and the proposed Strategic Roadmap, prepared by KPMG’s local and international consultants with technical support from the World Bank Group.
The reports had already undergone several rounds of review involving the Ministry of Digital Economy, GovTech Sri Lanka and the Industry Development Committee, before being presented to a broader group of stakeholders for further discussion and validation.
Participants engaged in thematic breakout sessions covering several areas considered critical to achieving the country’s digital export ambitions. These included developing future-ready digital skills, fostering innovation and supporting independent professionals, expanding access to international markets, and strengthening the policy, investment and infrastructure environment required for sustainable industry growth.
Discussions also focused on improving the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s digital sector, leveraging artificial intelligence to create new business opportunities, promoting high-value digital exports based on intellectual property and scaling locally developed innovations into international markets.
The proposed roadmap is expected to provide a strategic framework for aligning government, industry and other stakeholders around common priorities while supporting the expansion of Sri Lanka’s technology and digital services sectors.
Achieving the US$5 billion digital export target by 2030 would represent a significant expansion of the country’s technology-driven export base and further position Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for digital services, innovation and technology-led businesses.
Rotary Colombo East Begins New Chapter at 42nd Installation Ceremony
Rotary Colombo East marked the official commencement of the 2026/27 Rotary year with its 42nd Installation Ceremony in Colombo, bringing together Rotarians, guests, partners and well-wishers to witness the formal transition of leadership and reaffirm the club’s commitment to the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.”
A key highlight of the ceremony was the official installation of Rtn. Alagan Thavaraj as the 42nd President of Rotary Colombo East, together with the installation of the Board of Directors for the 2026/27 Rotary year.
The leadership transition was marked by Rtn. Dillon Henderlin, who passed on the club’s legacy by collaring Rtn. Thavaraj as the new President. In his inaugural address, President Thavaraj outlined his vision for the year, focusing on meaningful community impact, collaboration and sustainable service initiatives while building on the club’s longstanding legacy.
The ceremony was graced by District Governor Rtn. Kumar Sundararaj of Rotary District 3220 (Sri Lanka & Maldives) as the Chief Guest. Dr. Jayakrishnan, an eminent Cardiothoracic Surgeon from Omega Hospital, Mangalore, India, attended as the Guest of Honour, adding significance to the occasion through his support for the club’s humanitarian initiatives.
One of the evening’s key highlights was the launch of Rotary Colombo East’s flagship initiative, “Children of Tomorrow,” a humanitarian project focused on improving access to healthcare for children living in Sri Lanka’s plantation communities.
The initiative will commence with its inaugural medical camp at Meddakumbura Estate, Punduloya, Talawakelle, with Rotary Colombo East partnering with Melsta Hospital to deliver essential medical services and professional healthcare expertise through a series of outreach programmes.
The launch of “Children of Tomorrow” reflects the club’s renewed focus on sustainable community service and its commitment to addressing healthcare needs among underserved communities.
With a new leadership team and a strengthened focus on impactful humanitarian initiatives, Rotary Colombo East enters its 42nd year with a vision centred on collaboration, community wellbeing and creating lasting positive change.
Sri Lanka Reviews Roadmap to Achieve US$5 Billion in Digital Exports by 2030
