By CSNA – Media Team
Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya announced ambitious plans to expand its digital workforce to 200,000 by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to grow the nation’s digital economy to a staggering $15 billion, representing about 12% of the GDP.
The announcement came during a detailed presentation by Dr. Wijayasuriya at the Chamber Summit 2025, where he outlined the government’s roadmap for transforming Sri Lanka into a digitally empowered economy. “Digital transformation is not about technology—it’s about mindset, ambition, and determination,” Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasized, highlighting the critical need for a shift in how digital initiatives are perceived and implemented.
Dr. Wijayasuriya, the planned expansion is not just about increasing numbers but also involves significant up skilling and re skilling to meet the demands of a modern digital economy. “If we think with an island mentality in a global digital landscape, we will exclude ourselves from opportunities,” he cautioned, urging the need for a global outlook to attract international investment and expertise.
The government has also set a target for digital exports to soar from the current USD 1.5 billion to USD 5 billion. This leap in digital exports is expected to directly enhance the GDP, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country. Dr. Wijayasuriya’s talk also highlighted the necessity of private sector involvement to drive these initiatives forward. “The government should not be cutting checks for digital transformation—the private sector must drive it,” he stated, indicating a significant policy shift towards more private-public partnerships. An integral part of this transformation involves overhauling current governmental digital infrastructures, which are considered outdated and inefficient. “We need to move away from heavy assets and towards a talent-centric, agile, and innovation-driven ecosystem.”
He stressed the importance of simplifying and updating government digital services to enhance user experiences and efficiency. “A vibrant digital economy cannot thrive with a bureaucracy that still operates in the past.”
Trust and service quality are also at the heart of the proposed digital transformation. “Digital means trust we must build an impenetrable trust framework for citizens, businesses and investors,” Dr. Wijayasuriya noted, suggesting that establishing a robust digital trust framework is essential for the success of this digital shift.
The focus on digital transformation is seen as a key strategy not just for economic growth but also for ensuring that the benefits of this growth are widespread and inclusive, reducing the digital divide and enhancing the quality of life for all Sri Lankans.
As Sri Lanka positions itself on the digital map, the commitment to training, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements suggests a promising future, leveraging digital technologies for sustainable economic development and inclusive growth.