The historically significant Devani Mauri Sacred Relics of the Omniscient Buddha (Sarvagna Dhathu), which have been kept under the highest security at the Baroda Museum in India and have never before been taken outside India, are being exhibited for the first time for the veneration of the Sri Lankan public at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo.

Highlighting this special occasion, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, who visited the Gangaramaya Temple yesterday (07), made these remarks to the media after paying homage to the Sacred Relics.

The Deputy Minister stated that the Sacred Relics will be on public display continuously for 24 hours a day over a period of seven days, from February 5 to February 11. He further noted that this is an extremely rare opportunity for the Buddhist community of Sri Lanka, one that may occur only once in a lifetime and that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure its success.

Anticipating a very large number of devotees, he added that maximum facilities and organizational measures have been arranged, centered around the temple premises, to accommodate those coming to pay their respects. The Deputy Minister respectfully invited the entire population of the country to take this opportunity to witness and venerate the Sacred Relics in person. He also stated that the government, together with the temple’s lay committee, has taken steps to provide necessary security and guidance for both local and foreign devotees, and urged the public not to miss this rare and precious occasion.

Elevating Sri Lanka’s digital governance framework to a new level, the nationwide implementation of the ‘GovPay’ digital traffic fine payment system was successfully completed on 3rd February 2026. Launched initially as a pilot project in April 2025 across 11 police stations, the initiative has now been systematically expanded to cover all nine provinces of the country. More than just a technological solution, this marks a significant step towards delivering a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric public service.

Since its inception, the project has enabled the government to collect over LKR 115 million in traffic fines through digital channels, with the number of successful digital transactions exceeding 86,000. Payments can be made via all leading banks and fintech applications in the country. A key highlight is that, from this week onwards, the public can also pay traffic fines in cash through over 55,000 Dialog eZ Cash agents islandwide, greatly enhancing accessibility and convenience.

This major achievement is the result of the collective commitment and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including the Ministries of Digital Economy, Transport, and Public Security, along with the Sri Lanka Police, Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), LankaPay, and Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT). Initiated in November 2024, the project has reached national-scale success through continuous training programmes and coordinated operational processes. Going forward, drivers will be able to pay fines instantly (on-the-spot) from anywhere and promptly retrieve their driving licences, offering a significant and tangible benefit to the wider Sri Lankan public.

The “Tech Leaders Connect ‘26” conference, organized by the BCS Sri Lanka Section (BCS The Chartered Institute for IT (Sri Lanka Section) , the country’s leading professional body in the field of information technology, was successfully held recently at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo. The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness among industry experts and policymakers about the next decade of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, along with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Chief Guest at the event, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of the Digital Economy, shared his views on Sri Lanka’s future digital vision and the process of transforming that vision into reality.

In his address, Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that Sri Lanka’s national digital vision for the coming decade should go beyond the mere use of technology, and instead focus on building a fully integrated digital ecosystem that is closely connected with citizens’ daily lives and the national economy.

Highlighting several key priorities required to realize this vision, he stressed the importance of establishing secure digital infrastructure that is easily accessible to every citizen.

He further stated that enhancing transparency and efficiency through a data-driven system of governance, as well as fostering a culture of innovation capable of competing in global markets, are among the government’s core objectives.

The Deputy Minister also elaborated on the steps already taken by the government to turn this vision into reality. In particular, he noted that the government has given priority to accelerating digital transformation through key initiatives such as the digitalization of public services and the fast-tracking of the digital identity system.

However, he also provided an analysis of the major implementation challenges faced in this journey. He pointed out that updating outdated legal frameworks, managing required financial allocations effectively, and retaining skilled professionals within the country remain some of the most significant obstacles to successful implementation.

The keynote address of the event was delivered by Mr. Tushera Kawdawatta, Managing Director of Sysco LABS Sri Lanka.

This was followed by a special panel discussion featuring Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of the Digital Economy. Under the moderation of Mr. Alanzo Doll, the discussion covered a range of important topics, including industry readiness, capacity building, and the responsibilities of professional institutions.

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.