National Digital Economy Strategy 2030 of Sri Lanka

Strategies and Action Plans

Author: Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka

The ‘National Digital Economy Strategy 2030’ of Sri Lanka is a visionary framework designed to guide the nation towards a digitally empowered future. Its primary purpose is to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth by embedding digital transformation into all aspects of society and the economy. The policy aims to establish Sri Lanka as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. By 2030, it envisions a Sri Lanka where citizens, businesses, and government institutions seamlessly engage in a robust digital ecosystem that enhances efficiency, trust, and accessibility.

The scope of the strategy encompasses the entire digital landscape of Sri Lanka, addressing infrastructure, digital skills, governance, cybersecurity, financial inclusion, and sectoral innovation. It seeks to overcome historical challenges and capitalise on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). By integrating these technologies into public and private sectors, the strategy not only aims to boost economic competitiveness but also to enhance social equity and environmental sustainability.

This comprehensive strategy recognises the need for collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private enterprises, academia, and civil society. It emphasises leveraging public-private partnerships, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and fostering an innovation-driven culture. The implementation of the strategy is to be monitored closely through clear performance metrics, ensuring adaptability to the dynamic global digital economy.

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Core principles

  • Inclusivity: Ensuring all Sri Lankans benefit from digital advancements, particularly underserved communities such as rural populations, women, and marginalised groups.
  • Innovation: Promoting entrepreneurship and creative solutions through the adoption of advanced technologies like AI and ML.
  • Sustainability: Integrating environmentally conscious practices, including green technologies, to achieve climate and economic goals.
  • Global connectivity: Positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive global hub for digital investment and innovation.
  • Human-centric approach: Prioritising citizen needs in designing digital services to foster trust and improve quality of life.
  • Rights-based framework: Emphasising digital access as a fundamental human right, supported by non-discriminatory and transparent policies.

Priority areas

  • Infrastructure, connectivity, and access: This area focuses on ensuring universal high-speed broadband access across Sri Lanka by 2030. The government plans to simplify licensing, promote competitive markets, and encourage private investment to expand broadband infrastructure. Special attention is given to underserved areas to bridge the digital divide. The goal is to create a robust and inclusive broadband industry that underpins the digital economy.
  • Skills, literacy, industry, and jobs: Addressing the demand-supply gap in digital skills, this priority emphasises developing a digitally literate workforce and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Initiatives include integrating digital skills into education, reskilling and upskilling programs, and targeted support for women-led businesses. The aim is to create a diverse, adaptable workforce capable of thriving in a digital economy.
  • Connected digital government: A citizen-centric approach to governance is at the heart of this area. The strategy envisions a seamless digital government where public services are accessible, efficient, and user-friendly. This involves developing a common digital public infrastructure, integrating digital IDs, enhancing cloud computing, and leveraging AI and data analytics for decision-making.
  • Cybersecurity, safety, and privacy: The strategy emphasises building a secure digital ecosystem by recognising the risks posed by cyber threats. This includes enacting robust cybersecurity legislation, strengthening data protection frameworks, and fostering awareness about online safety. The goal is to create a safe and trusted environment for individuals, businesses, and government entities.
  • Digital financial services (DFS): Financial inclusion is a key component, with efforts to expand the availability and adoption of secure, efficient, and affordable digital financial services. This includes improving digital payment systems, fostering interoperability among service providers, and ensuring financial literacy for all demographics. Special attention is given to integrating DFS into public services, such as welfare and transport.
  • Digitalization across sectors and MSMEs: The strategy prioritises the digital transformation of key sectors, including agriculture, health, tourism, and manufacturing. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a significant focus, with targeted support to help them adopt digital technologies. This includes awareness programs, financial assistance, and sector-specific roadmaps to drive innovation and competitiveness.

Critical enablers

  • A forward-looking legal and regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring security and trust.
  • Foundational and secure digital identity systems to enable efficient access to public and private digital services.
  • A comprehensive and transparent data governance framework that safeguards privacy while enabling innovation.
  • Consistent and proactive stakeholder engagement to incorporate diverse perspectives in policy and strategy formulation.
  • Collaborative and effective institutional governance to ensure accountability and inclusivity in implementing digital initiatives.
  • Targeted private investment to supplement public resources and drive innovation in the digital economy.

The strategy focuses on six thematic areas to achieve its goals. Infrastructure development is central, ensuring universal broadband access by 2030 and fostering competitive markets. The development of digital skills across all demographics aims to create a skilled and adaptive workforce. A connected digital government will streamline public services, making them accessible and citizen-centric. Cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks will safeguard digital spaces, ensuring trust and safety. Digital financial inclusion will empower individuals and businesses, especially in underserved areas. Finally, sectoral digitalization will drive innovation and competitiveness in key industries like agriculture, health, tourism, and manufacturing.

Implementation of the strategy is to be guided by high-level ownership from the President and coordinated through a dedicated agency. Collaboration with stakeholders will be prioritised to leverage expertise and resources. A clear performance monitoring framework will ensure accountability and adaptability, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.