Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday, 20 January 2026 03:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Government has accelerated its digital transformation drive with a series of high-level initiatives spanning research collaboration, public service digitisation, export promotion, and education sector reforms, underscoring its ambition to position the country as a regional technology hub.
A special discussion was held at the Parliament Complex with representatives from the University of Oulu in Finland and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital research ecosystem.
The meeting, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, focused on plans to establish a technology research and development institute in Sri Lanka and to position the country as a regional centre for advanced technologies, including next-generation 6G communications.
As part of efforts to digitise public services, the Ministry has also moved to modernise public transport payments. A new system enabling bus fare payments through bank cards is being introduced in the Uva Province, with an awareness program conducted in Badulla for bus owners and banking sector representatives. Bus operators in the province have agreed to roll out the digital payment facility across all buses within the coming months, marking a significant step towards cashless public transport.
In parallel, Sri Lanka Expo 2026, a flagship exhibition aimed at showcasing the country’s export potential and investment opportunities to global markets, was officially announced.
The launch event, chaired by Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, also saw the unveiling of the exhibition’s official website, www.srilankaexpo.lk. Scheduled for June 2026, the Expo is expected to play a key role in promoting Sri Lanka’s digital, manufacturing and innovation-driven industries.
The Government has also taken steps to digitise the education sector through a project to provide computers and smart boards to schools, funded under a grant from the Chinese Government. In addition, a special progress review meeting was held to assess the status of major digital initiatives currently being implemented under the Digital Economy Ministry.
Together, these initiatives reflect a coordinated push to strengthen Sri Lanka’s technological infrastructure, deepen international partnerships and improve the efficiency of public services. The Digital Economy Ministry, working closely with other State institutions, said it remains committed to accelerating the digital economy, fostering innovation and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s presence in the global digital and manufacturing landscape.
