Digitizing govt. services can enhance user experience for 22 Mn citizens
In Sri Lanka, where bureaucratic processes often delay progress, digitizing government services can enhance user experience for 22 million citizens, reduce inefficiencies, and rebuild public trust said Chairman, Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) Indika De Zoysa. (Pictured)
In addition, moving to using digital documents, especially adopting digital signatures, would ensure transparency and good governance while minimizing corruption says Federation of Information Technology (Guarantee) Limited (FITIS) while extending congratulations and conveys its best wishes to the newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
For Sri Lanka to truly benefit from the digital revolution, robust infrastructure is the key. Currently, 47% of the population has internet access, but rural areas continue to face connectivity challenges due to coverage and quality of service. “Bridging this digital divide is essential for ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of location.”
FITIS views the nurturing of startups as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s future economy. “Currently, 80% of startups are concentrated in urban areas, with limited access to resources in rural regions. By encouraging tech innovation across the entire country, the government can stimulate job creation and entrepreneurship.” The NPP’s vision of a startup-friendly ecosystem should be fully realized through incentives, tax breaks and equitable taxation, and infrastructure support for entrepreneurs. Expanding innovation hubs outside of Colombo and creating partnerships between established businesses and startups will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Additionally, attracting foreign investment in technology will be crucial for scaling innovation and making Sri Lanka a hub for regional tech talent.
A digitally literate workforce is essential for Sri Lanka to thrive in the global economy. Currently, over 50% of the workforce lacks basic digital skills, limiting the country’s ability to compete on the international stage.
FITIS advocates for integrating ICT education into the national curriculum, expanding technical and vocational training, and creating opportunities for lifelong learning. Developing digital skills will prepare future generations for a tech driven economy while also reskilling the current workforce to adapt to new technological demands.
Digitalized financial services is a cornerstone of any digitally enabled economy. By encouraging adoption and ensuring that all government services accept digital financial transactions would bring in efficiency while providing convenience to the citizens. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, comprising nearly 75% of all businesses and employing a significant portion of the workforce. However, many SMEs lack the resources or knowledge to fully embrace digital tools, which limits their growth potential in an increasingly digital global economy.
FITIS strongly supports the digitalization of SMEs and believes that President Dissanayake’s administration will help these businesses adopt digital technologies by prioritizing policies. As envisioned in the National People’s Power (NPP), Digital Policy for Sri Lanka, an ambitious goal is to achieve a USD 15 billion contribution to GDP from the digital economy by 2030. FITIS firmly supports this vision and believes that with the right policies, infrastructure, and collaboration, Sri Lanka can transform into a leading digital economy in the region. “This target is crucial for job creation, innovation, and the overall transformation of Sri Lanka into a globally competitive digital economy.”
The development of local ICT talent, especially in fields such as software development, AI, and data analytics, is crucial. By creating more educational opportunities and investing in skill development, Sri Lanka can build a workforce capable of meeting global demands.
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