The Agricultural Enterprise Framework, Data Sharing Policy, and the CROPIX National Digital Platform, designed to modernize Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, were officially launched yesterday at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

This initiative, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provides a strong foundation for evidence-based decision-making by modernizing the country’s agricultural governance system.

This digital public infrastructure (DPI), developed by integrating fragmented data systems, is expected to remove existing bottlenecks in the sector by enabling efficient data sharing among government institutions. Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Hon. K.D. Lalkantha, emphasized that this marks a decisive turning point in Sri Lanka’s agricultural governance.

Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, stated that going forward, farmers will no longer need to follow up on paperwork, as efficient services will be delivered through the automated exchange of data between systems. Meanwhile, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, noted that this initiative extends the national digital agenda into the agricultural sector and enables data-driven policy impact.

The CROPIX (Crop Resources, Optimizing Operations through Precise Information eXchange System) integrates the national crop registry, cultivation data, yield forecasting, and real-time reporting into a single platform.

Operating through mobile applications and web portals, the system brings farmers, officials, and policymakers together around one reliable and trusted data source.

FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan highlighted that this system enhances the ability to identify climate risks and to develop cultivation plans aligned with market demand.

Through this initiative, services provided to farmers will be improved, and Sri Lanka’s food security will be strengthened by fostering a data-driven agricultural culture. This historic occasion was also attended by Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche, FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan, and several other distinguished participants.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board officially announced today, January 9, the launch of an international exhibition titled "Sri Lanka Expo 2026" aimed at promoting Sri Lanka's export potential and investment opportunities. The official website for the exhibition, www.srilankaexpo.lk, was also launched at the event, enabling local exhibitors and foreign buyers to register online.

This international exhibition, scheduled for June 18–21, 2026, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, will showcase Sri Lanka's export capabilities and investment opportunities to the international community.

The official launch ceremony of "Sri Lanka Expo 2026" was held at Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams, Colombo, under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti. The event was attended by Minister of Power and Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment, Mr. Arun Hemachandra; Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, (Eng). Eranga Weeraratne; Secretary to the Ministry, Mrs. Tilaka Jayasundara; President's Senior Adviser on Science and Technology, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe; along with other Secretaries to Ministries, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, banks, chambers of commerce, heads of institutions collaborating with Sri Lanka Expo 2026, as well as exporters and officials from both public and private sectors.

A discussion was held yesterday (07) at the Parliamentary Complex between representatives of the University of Oulu, Finland, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, together with Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne

The discussion focused on several key proposals, including the establishment of a technology research and development institution in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening international academic collaboration and innovation-driven research. Attention was also given to exploring opportunities to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital research ecosystem and to position the country as a regional hub for next-generation technologies.

Presentations were made on cutting-edge research initiatives, including the 6G Flagship Programme of the University of Oulu and the innovation ecosystem of IIT Madras. With a strong focus on advancing innovation, fostering global partnerships, and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital economic transformation, the discussion marked the beginning of a comprehensive dialogue on the objectives, structure, and long-term impact of the proposed facility.

Also present at the discussion were Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya; Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala; Chairman of SLT-Mobitel, Dr. Motilal de Silva; Professor Ari Pouttu of the University of Oulu (joining virtually); Professor Nandana Rajatheva, University of Oulu; Professor David Koilpillai, and Professor Shankar Mahachary Raman of IIT Madras; Mr. Kithsiri Liyanage (University of Peradeniya), along with several government officials.

Dialog Axiata PLC has committed LKR 420 million to support the Government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative following Cyclone Ditwah, with a focus on healthcare and education in affected areas.

This commitment was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Prime Minister’s Office. The MoU sets out the framework for collaboration between the Government and Dialog to implement these recovery initiatives in line with national priorities.

Under this partnership, Dialog will work with the Ministry of Health to restore and upgrade facilities at Chilaw District General Hospital, Divisional Hospital Kotmale, Divisional Hospital Madulkele, and Base Hospital Puttalam. Dialog will also partner with the Ministry of Education to refurbish computer laboratories in more than 20 cyclone-affected schools, helping students regain access to ICT facilities and continue their education.

The event, held under the patronage of Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, was attended by Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, along with Ministry Secretaries, government officials, and representatives from Dialog.

A productive discussion was held today at the Ministry of Digital Economy between Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne , and H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka. The meeting focused on Kazakhstan’s progress in AI data centers, national AI initiatives, and the delivery of government software solutions through GovTech-driven models, alongside insights into IT and digital education frameworks supporting their technology ecosystem.

The dialogue also explored potential bilateral collaboration opportunities in the IT sector, including knowledge exchange, digital infrastructure development, capacity building, and partnerships between public and private sector technology institutions of both countries. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to drive innovation, digital transformation, and mutually beneficial growth in the digital economy.

Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official awarding of 5G spectrum licenses at a ceremonial event organised by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), under the patronage of the Ministry of Digital Economy.

The rollout of 5G is a critical enabler of Sri Lanka’s digital economy vision. 5G technology with its high speed, ultra-low latency, and enhanced reliability, will support transformative applications across many sectors such as industry, healthcare, education, logistics, smart cities, and public services, while creating new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Marking the commencement of licensed 5G deployment in Sri Lanka, Dialog Axiata PLC and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel formally received their spectrum licenses, affirming their role in advancing Sri Lanka’s next-generation mobile network infrastructure.

The event was graced by Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne,Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Director General of TRCSL, Retired Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Chairman of the Auction Committee, Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Director and Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, and Dr. Mothilal de Silva, Chairman and Director of Mobitel (Private) Limited, along with many other senior officials and key stakeholders from the telecommunications sector.

With the official awarding of 5G spectrum licences, SLT-MOBITEL has made 5G services publicly available in Sri Lanka, supporting the country’s next phase of digital transformation. The availability of next-generation connectivity with enhanced reliability is expected to enable innovation, promote digital inclusion, and create new economic opportunities nationwide.

The launch event, held at One Galle Face Mall, was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka; Director General of TRCSL, Retired Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath, Dr. Mothilal de Silva, Chairman and Director of Mobitel (Private) Limited, along with several senior officials.

The Market Readiness and International Market Access Workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Information Technology sector, organized by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), was held yesterday (16) at the Auditorium of ICTA.

This workshop is the fourth session in a series of programs conducted under the initiative to “Accelerate Sri Lanka’s Digital Industry and Innovation Ecosystem (Digi-Industry),” which is considered a key component of the Ministry of Digital Economy’s Action Plan for 2025, implemented under the Digital Industry Startup Development Program.

The Ministry of Digital Economy, together with ICTA, is pleased to support the Market Readiness & International Market Access Workshop for IT SMEs in Colombo, building on successful workshops held in Kandy, Gampaha, and Kurunegala. This session focuses on empowering local product companies with export readiness, go-to-market strategies, and critical IP and legal insights to help them scale globally.

The workshop featured key insights from Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, along with an industry engagement panel including Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, and Mr. Chandima Cooray, Board Director of ICTA.

Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in disaster preparedness with the launch of the “GeoAI for Disaster Resilience” national initiative in Colombo, led by the Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRMP).

The event brought together over 80 participants representing the Disaster Management Centre, National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Department of Meteorology, NBRO, Irrigation Department, Ministry of Health, Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police, telecommunications partners, private-sector innovators, academia, community-based organizations, and the media, with the participation of Ms. Jayne A. Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, and Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, highlighting a strong, cross-sector commitment to building a safer and more resilient Sri Lanka through GeoAI and innovation.

President’s Export Awards Presented Honouring Sri Lankan Exporters Who Made an Outstanding Contribution to the Export Sector

The 27th Presidential Export Awards ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) operating under the Ministry of Industries and Industrial Development, was recently held t at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall under the patronage of the Hon. Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This prestigious national award ceremony is dedicated to recognizing Sri Lankan exporters who have made exceptional contributions to the export sector and the country’s economic advancement. The objective of presenting the Presidential Export Awards is to honour those who have rendered an outstanding service towards Sri Lanka’s economic development.

The Presidential Export Awards were first introduced by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in 1981, and up to now, 26 award ceremonies have been successfully held. At this year’s ceremony, recognising the best exporters of Sri Lanka for 2024/2025, a total of 107 awards were presented, including 15 overall awards and 92 product and service sector awards. Additionally, based on the performance of applicants and the contribution made to the national economy in their respective sectors, Merit Awards were also presented as determined by the panel of judges.

In selecting sectoral award winners, not only export revenue but also indicators such as export market diversification, job creation, export revenue growth, repatriation of export earnings, environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and value addition were taken into consideration. This year, the “Exporter of the Year” award was won by Omega Line Ltd.

This ceremony, held under the guidance of the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, and the Deputy Minister, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayanta; Minister of Power, Hon. Kumar Jayakody; Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekaran; Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Hon. Arun Hemachandra; Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe; Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, Mangala Wijesinghe; senior government officials, state officers, exporters, and approximately 1,500 invited guests.