Sri Lanka IT industry to achieve milestone by 2030 – Kanaka

Plans are being made to set up a significant milestone in the IT industry in Sri Lanka by 2030, Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath said.

State Minister Kanaka Herath said that the Government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe has prioritised the development of digital economy.

He was speaking at the e-Swabhimani Awards ceremony organised annually by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently

The e-Swabhimani Awards are presented by the Government to recognise individuals or organisations that develop innovative digital applications for social progress.

Sixty three IT professionals were conferred with the e-Swabhimani Award for their innovative application development in 10 distinct categories during 2020/2021. The State Minister reiterated the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to provide unceasing support for the progress of Sri Lanka’s IT sector.

Under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, plans for a digital Sri Lanka are underway from October to November of this year, for elevating the nation’s digital economy towards an intelligent Sri Lanka by 2030, as encapsulated in the vision “Transcended Digital Economy towards an Intelligent Sri Lanka 2030”.

Sri Lanka will also have the opportunity to showcase its potential on the global stage at an upcoming international technology conference to be held in Colombo.

State Minister Kanaka Herath said that the upcoming international conference and exhibition will serve as a platform to convene over 100 global industrialists and technology experts.

Additionally, 50 Sri Lankan industries will be supported for their global expansion, alongside the development of five key sectors (INDUSTRY 5.0) in Sri Lanka.

These sectors, comprising agriculture, tourism, transportation, education, and healthcare, will receive focused attention towards their transformational growth.

State Minister Kanaka Herath also said that the upcoming international conference and exhibition will generate $ 1 bn foreign exchange for the country and help Sri Lanka enter the global market.

Information and Communication Technology Agency Chairman Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Jury Chairman Prof. Rangika Halwathura,. CEO Vishaka Nanayakkara, ICTA Board Member Mahesh Perera, ICTA Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer Sachendra Samararathna. ICTA Development Director - Industry Chiranthi Balapatabendi and other distinguished guests were present.