📈 Tech Leaders Connect ’26: Sri Lanka’s Digital Roadmap

The ‘Tech Leaders Connect ’26’ conference recently convened in Colombo, bringing together top policymakers and ICT/BPM leaders to strategize the nation's digital trajectory for the next decade. • Strategic Digital Goals Vision to expand the digital economy to US$ 15 Bn by 2030 (approx. 12% of GDP). Targeting digital exports of US$ 5 Bn and a skilled tech workforce of 200,000. Focus on building an integrated digital ecosystem beyond simple tech adoption. • Core Infrastructure & Enablers Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Prioritizing the national digital identity system (SL-UDI) and e-Grama Niladhari platform. Fast-tracking the National Digital Identity system, expected to reach citizens by Q3 2026. Government allocation of LKR 30 Bn in the 2026 budget for key digital initiatives. • Sectoral Focus & Governance Data-driven governance: Enhancing transparency and efficiency in public services. Innovation culture: Nurturing local tech talent to compete in global markets. Collaborative efforts between the Digital Economy Ministry and professional bodies like BCS Sri Lanka to ensure industry readiness. • Key Implementation Challenges Brain Drain: Urgent need to retain skilled digital professionals amid high migration. Regulatory Gaps: Modernizing outdated legal frameworks via the proposed Digital Economy Act. Infrastructure: Addressing inconsistent internet usage, with approx. 40% of the population still offline or low-usage.