Digital Economy Ministry drives Sri Lanka’s ‘Techfront Fortnight’

• Series of events running from 17 to 30 September as part of the Government’s Digital Economy Month initiative

Digital Economy Deputy Minister  Eng. Eranga Weeraratne

The Digital Economy Ministry yesterday announced Sri Lanka TechFront Fortnight, a flagship series of events running from 17 to 30 September as part of the Government’s Digital Economy Month initiative. 

This national campaign is designed to accelerate Sri Lanka’s journey towards a digitally empowered, knowledge-based economy, while positioning the country as a regional hub for technology, innovation, and AI-led transformation.

Digital Economy Month is a national initiative aimed at accelerating Sri Lanka’s adoption of digital tools and services, fast-tracking digital projects, and promoting the country as a technology and innovation hub, showcasing Sri Lanka’s digital ambition of reaching $ 15 billion in the digital economy by 2030. With over 100 days of high-impact programs,

 including Sri Lanka TechFront Fortnight, the Government demonstrates its commitment to creating a digitally inclusive, knowledge-based economy.

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne said: "Sri Lanka TechFront Fortnight is more than a series of events, it is a national platform to inspire innovation, empower our youth, and demonstrate Sri Lanka’s readiness to lead in the digital era. Through collaboration, investment, and creativity, we are building a future where no one is left behind, and where Sri Lanka can compete confidently on the global stage."

Sri Lanka TechFront Fortnight will feature three landmark events:

Disrupt Asia (17–20 September)

Disrupt Asia is Sri Lanka’s premier platform for innovators, builders, and changemakers shaping the future. Since 2016, it has showcased the country’s best in tech and innovation, growing in scale each year. In 2025, the event returns bigger and bolder, featuring top regional names and high-impact opportunities for partners and participants.

• 17 September – Venture Engine at Cinnamon Life Colombo: Organised by Lanka Angel Network, this event will feature 12 startups shortlisted from over 130 applications through multiple selection rounds. They will pitch live to top local angels and regional VCs, with valuable networking opportunities also on offer.
• 18 September – Main Conference and Startup Showcase at Cinnamon Life Colombo: An entire day of power-packed events with the presence of global and local investors, key notes, track-based sessions and panel discussions, and curated matchmaking with Sri Lanka’s top 30 startups. 
• 19 September – Innovation Festival at TRACE Colombo: Showcasing 50+ innovative startups, tech pavilions, networking opportunities, and track-based sessions. Open to the general public and completely free of charge, the festival is expected to attract over 5,000 participants, making it one of Sri Lanka’s largest tech gatherings.
• 20 September – Cultural Sundowner at Asaya Sands, Mirissa: A curated sundowner event which will spotlight world class Sri Lankan brands in a unique cultural showcase. Attendees will experience the richness of Ceylon through artisanal tastings. Asaya Sands will bring the flavours of Sri Lanka’s southern coast through a specially designed culinary offering. The evening will also include gem displays and cultural elements, reflecting the island’s vibrant heritage. More than a networking event, this sundowner aims to establish a micro hub that bridges Sri Lanka’s innovation and creative excellence with global audiences.
•  

Sri Lanka FinTech Summit 2025 

(24–25 September, BMICH, Colombo)

The Sri Lanka FinTech Summit, themed “Empowering Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy: Innovations Driving Financial Inclusion and Growth,” convenes local and international leaders to explore the future of digital finance. Organised by HNB PLC, TECXA Ltd., and FinTech Forum Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Digital Economy Ministry and the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry, the Summit focuses on six key themes that are critical to shaping Sri Lanka’s digital financial landscape. 

Future of Finance explores emerging trends, business models, and digital transformation strategies for financial institutions. Global and Regional Trends provide insights from international markets, cross-border opportunities, and benchmarking of best practices. Blockchain, AI and Digital Assets highlight how technology can be harnessed for secure, efficient, and innovative financial services. Financial Innovation and Inclusion emphasises promoting access to financial services for underserved populations and SMEs. Regulatory Compliance and Governance addresses navigating the legal and regulatory framework to ensure trust and stability in the digital ecosystem. Finally, Investment and Ecosystem Growth focuses on strategies to attract capital, foster partnerships, and strengthen the FinTech ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

The Summit features five specialised stages: Vision and Leadership, Technology and Innovation (Blockchain, AI and Digital Currency), Regulatory and Ecosystem, Investment and Pitching, and Executive Boardroom sessions. Each stage is designed to provide tailored content and deep insights for different stakeholders across the financial sector, from policymakers and investors to entrepreneurs and innovators.

• Finnovation Lab: On 2 September at HNB Towers, 200 university students participated in workshops covering FinTech, blockchain, AI, digital assets, and regulatory compliance. These students will attend the Summit, engage with industry experts, and develop research-based proposals aimed at addressing challenges and advancing Sri Lanka’s digital financial ecosystem.
• National AI Expo and Conference (29–30 September 2025, Monarch Imperial, Colombo)
• Sri Lanka takes a pioneering step towards an AI-powered future with the inaugural National AI Expo and Conference, organised by the Digital Economy Ministry and SLT Mobitel. This two-day event aims to accelerate AI adoption across all economic sectors and establish Sri Lanka as a leading AI hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Global thought leadership: Experts will discuss responsible AI governance, ethics, implementation, and sector-specific applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and SMEs.
• Innovation showcase: Exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations highlighting practical AI applications in Sri Lanka. 
• AI Fund and Excellence Centre: SLT Mobitel plans to establish an AI Fund for R&D and an AI Excellence Centre to foster innovation and skill development in AI.

The Digital Economy Ministry is inviting citizens, industry stakeholders, and the international community to participate in these events, witness innovation first-hand, and be a part of Sri Lanka TechFront Fortnight.