### World Bank to Finance $50 Mn Sri Lanka Digital Transformation 📈

The World Bank and GovTech Sri Lanka have launched a $50 million initiative to overhaul the national digital landscape. While aimed at efficiency, the project faces scrutiny regarding human rights and inclusivity. • Overall Figures & Targets Total Funding: US$ 50 Mn. User Goal: Target of 4 million users for digital government services by 2029. Infrastructure: Implementation of a National Data Exchange, 'Super App', and biometric Digital ID system. • Key Components & ICT Development Digital ID: Proposed biometric registration starting at birth/school entry to enable "paperless and cashless" transactions. Connectivity: Integrating banks and telecommunications via Digital ID APIs. Digital Literacy: Sub-components focused on local language content and digital adoption. • Critical Challenges & Context Digital Divide: 39% of households remain offline; only 51% of individuals actively use the internet (based on provisional data). Risk Rating: Classified as "low" risk by the World Bank, though critics cite concerns over state surveillance and a lack of trilingual documentation. Exclusion Risks: Significant gaps persist, including a 34% gender gap in internet use and limited access (7%) for persons with disabilities. • Sector Impact The project aims to modernize public administration and the startup ecosystem, though experts warn that without rights-based guardrails, it may deepen marginalization for the 49% currently outside the digital system. _Note: Summary based on executive briefing and World Bank Project Information Documents._