DIGIECON 2030 marks new phase in SL digital economy
DIGIECON 2030 accelerates Sri Lanka’s economy towards an inclusive digital economy by leveraging advanced technology-based solutions, Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath said.
The State Minister was participating in a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC).
It encompasses a digital master plan regulatory policy framework, along with a series of annual events, which will give direction and a gesture of the commitment of the Government towards facilitating a digital ecosystem, he said.
As the first milestone, ‘DIGIECON 2023’, will take place from October to November, which will unveil digital master plan and regulatory policy framework for the country until 2030 in conjunction with a series of international conferences, symposiums, and exhibitions accelerating digital transformation and fueling ‘Digital Economy 2030’.
The procurement process of Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project (SL-UDI) has commenced, the State Minister said.
The project commenced with the signing of an MoU between Sri Lanka and India on March 28, 2022 and an Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project Monitoring Committee (JPMC) for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project (SL-UDI) was introduced.
The Government of India is overseeing the software development for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project (SL-UDI). The Indian government has agreed to contribute 300 million Indian Rupees for this cause. As a result, major automated biometric systems and other software systems will be installed with the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka’s full supervision and consultation (ICTA).
The technological knowledge needed in preparing a Digital ID will be provided by the ICTA and Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) Lanka.
Meanwhile, with the assistance of the Education Ministry, the Technology Ministry will launch a six-month IT course for Arts undergraduates who are interested in the subject and wish to fill the gap in the IT field. The curriculum will be created in accordance with suggestions by subject-matter specialists.
With the launch of SL-UDI project, every citizen in the country will get a unique number.
The project aims to collect biographic and biometric information, including facial, iris, and fingerprint data, which will be stored in a centralized system for the purpose of issuing identification cards as per the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Under the first phase, the project will be launched by the ICTA under the Supervision of Technology Ministry.
With the implementation of the project, more effective and efficient delivery of government services, poverty reduction and welfare programmes; financial inclusion through better access to banking and other products/services, minimization of corruption, will be ensured.