Joining the session, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to H.E. President of #SriLanka on Digital Economy 🇱🇰, highlighted the critical need for governments to break ministerial silos and enable seamless interoperability. He shared insights on innovative institutional mechanisms and governance models that can drive effective DigitalPublicInfrastructure coordination across sectors, paving the way for robust digital public infrastructure ecosystems in the region.

The United Nations Development Programme - UNDP- Asian Development Bank DPIStewards Cohort was also announced as a collaborative platform to sustain ongoing regional dialogue and build capabilities. The session reaffirmed that DPI leadership is a shared journey—let’s commit to working together to turn policy into practice and build the institutions that will power Asia’s digital future.

Sri Lanka's 16th National Cyber Security Conference, "Creating a more trustworthy cyber security environment for Sri Lanka" has organized the necessary activities to be held at Waters Edge Hotel Battaramulla on 12th November 2025 More than 400 domestic foreign delegates and guests to attend this conference.

This national conference is jointly held by the Ministry of Digital Finance and Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum (Sri Lanka CERT) along with representatives from the government, private sector, business companies, non-state organizations and universities along with policy makers, business companies, non-state organizations and universities. Will be organized.

A press conference to raise media awareness regarding this was held yesterday (06) at news department of government. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Deputy Minister of Digital Finance Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, Acting Secretary of the Digital Finance Ministry, Tilak Pathirage, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum (Sri Lanka CERT) CEO working at the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum (Sri Lanka CERT) Dr. Kanishka Karunasena, Chief Information Security Officer Niroshan Ananda of Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum attended the press conference.

A press conference was held at the Department of Government Information on the 6th of November to raise public awareness about the upcoming 16th National Cyber Security Conference 2025, which will be held under the theme “Creating a More Trusted Cyber Security Environment for Sri Lanka.”

The conference is scheduled to take place on 12th November 2025 at the Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla, with the participation of over 400 local and international delegates and guests.

Bringing together policymakers, IT professionals, academics, technology experts, and representatives from the government, private sector, business community, NGOs, and universities, the conference is jointly organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (Sri Lanka CERT).

The media briefing was held under the patronage of Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, and was attended by Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy; Mr. Thilak Pathirage, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Forum; Dr. Kanishka Karunasena, Acting CEO of Sri Lanka CERT; and Mr. Niroshan Ananda, Chief Information Security Officer of Sri Lanka CERT.

INFOTEL 2025, the leading national technology exhibition in Sri Lanka and the longest-running ICT exhibition in South Asia, started today (7th) at BMICH Colombo and will run until November 9th.

The Ministry of Digital Finance also joined the exhibition that performs a massive work as a national platform to showcase innovation, technology and digital advancement, Honorable Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, the inauguration of Personal Computing From the age to today, added his views on the immense work INFOTEL has done since 1992 in shaping Sri Lanka's digital evolution towards a more related, data-based era.

He continued noted that programs such as INFOTEL were performing leading work in innovation, job creation, and leading global competitiveness, along with the Ministry of building a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030.

INFOTEL 2025, Sri Lanka’s premier national technology showcase and one of South Asia’s longest-running ICT exhibitions commenced today (7th November) at the BMICH, Colombo, and will continue until the 9th of November.

The Ministry of Digital Economy is proud to participate in this landmark event, which serves as a national platform for showcasing innovation, technology, and digital advancement.

Gracing the inauguration as Chief Guest, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, highlighted INFOTEL’s pivotal role since 1992 in shaping Sri Lanka’s digital evolution, from the early days of personal computing to today’s connected, data-driven era.

He further noted that this year’s theme aligns with the Ministry’s vision to build a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030, driving innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.

තාක්ෂණයට මිනිසුන් බලගැන්විය හැකි ආකාරය සහ සැබෑ සමාජ බලපෑමක් ඇති කළ හැකි ආකාරයට පෙන්වා දෙමින් පසුගිය දා වෝටර්ස් එජ් හිදී 9 වන PickMe නැණ පහන රියදුරු සුභසාධන වැඩසටහන පැවැත්විණ.

ගරු, ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය ඉංජිනේරු එරංග වීරරත්න මහතා මෙම අවස්ථාවට ප්‍රධාන ආරාධිත අමුත්තා ලෙස සහභාගී වූ අතර ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ඩිජිටල් පරිවර්තනය ඉදිරියට ගෙන යාමේදී රියදුරන් ඉටු කරන ගෞරවනීය කාර්යභාරය සම්බන්ධයෙන් අගයමින්, PickMe වැනි වේදිකා සමඟ ඔවුන්ගේ දෛනික ජීවිතය සමඟ බද්ධවී ඇති ආකාරය, මාර්ගගත ප්‍රවේශය , QR ගෙවීම් සහ ඩිජිටල් ගෙවුම් හරහා, ශක්තිමත් සහ සියලු දෙනා ඇතුලත් ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථිකයක් ගොඩනැගීම සෘජුවම දායක වන ආකාරය සම්බන්ධයෙන් මෙහිදී ඔහු අදහස් දැක්වීය.

ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථිකය වෙනුවෙන් වන රජයේ දැක්ම සෑම ශ්‍රී ලාංකිකයෙකුටම තාක්ෂණය ඔස්සේ සහභාගී වීමට, සමෘද්ධිමත් වීමේ අවස්ථාවා වෙත කේන්ද්‍රගත වී ඇති බව නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍යවරයා සඳහන් කළේය. රාජ්‍ය සහ පෞද්ගලික අංශ අතර සහයෝගීතාවයෙන් ඩිජිටල් ඇතුළත් කිරීම පුළුල් කිරීමට, මූල්‍ය විශ්වාසය ශක්තිමත් කිරීමට සහ රට පුරා පුරවැසියන් සඳහා නව අවස්ථා විවෘත කිරීමට නැණ පහන වැනි වැඩසටහන් මගින් ලබා දෙන දායකත්වය සම්බන්ධයෙන් ද අවධාරණය කළේය.

GovPay වැනි ආරක්ෂිත ඩිජිටල් ගෙවීම් පද්ධති ප්‍රවර්ධනය කිරීම සහ සේවකයින්ගේ සිට ව්‍යවසායකයින් දක්වා සියලුම ප්‍රජාවන්ට තාක්‍ෂණය ප්‍රතිලාභ ලබා දෙන බව සහතික කිරීම සඳහා ඩිජිටල් ආර්ථික අමාත්‍යාංශය PickMe වැනි නව්‍ය වේදිකා සමඟ සාමූහික ප්‍රයත්නයක නිරතව සිටියි.

The 9th PickMe Nena Pahana Driver Welfare Programme held at Water’s Edge highlighted how technology can empower people and create real social impact.

Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, attended the event as Chief Guest and recognized the important role that drivers play in advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. Their daily engagement with platforms like PickMe, through online bookings, QR payments, and digital wallets, contributes directly to building a stronger and more inclusive digital economy.

The Deputy Minister noted that the government’s vision for the Digital Economy is centered on enabling every Sri Lankan to participate, prosper, and progress through technology. Programs like Nena Pahana demonstrate how collaboration between the public and private sectors can expand digital inclusion, strengthen financial trust, and open new opportunities for citizens across the country.

The Ministry of Digital Economy continues to partner with innovative platforms such as PickMe to promote secure digital payment systems like GovPay, and to ensure that technology benefits all communities, from gig workers to entrepreneurs.

The Department of Registration, the only state institution with the legislative power to ensure personal identity, has taken various organizational and technological renewal measures in the past time with the aim of providing fast and efficient service to the public.

According to a proposal approved by the Board of Ministers, the department has implemented the discipline of the Electronic Identity Project. This has established new offices at the provincial level and facilitated the convenience of providing service closer to the public.

It was decided to establish the North West Provincial Office here in Kurunegala city, and also due to various issues that were established, the one day service could not be started. However, as a result of a long term effort, there has been space to start one day service here yesterday. Accordingly, the one-day ID issue service was officially started yesterday (03) under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Digital Finance Mr. Eranga Weerarathne.

This is a massive service facility targeted by the people's convenience, which is currently operating provincial offices in the areas of Galle, Nuwaraeliya, Battakalapuwa and Vavuniya, which is successfully implementing the one-day ID issue service in Galle and Nuwaraeliya offices.

After the initiation of this service, the people of the Northwestern Province will no longer have the need to travel to the Head Office in Colombo and receive their IDs, the Kurunegala Provincial Office will provide the ability to receive the service within a few hours.

Investment funding and technical support provided by the Electronic National Identity Project, planning to open offices like this in other provinces in the coming days.

Honorable, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Mr. Namal Karunaratne, Mayor of Kurunegala Municipal Council Ananda Sahabandu, Acting Secretary of Digital Finance Ministry Varuna Sri Dhanapala, Northwest Province Chief Document Indika Ilangakoon, Additional District Secretary (Administration) G. P. S. Jay de Zoysa and Commissioner General M of Person Registration Department. Board of directors, government officials, and local government representatives including Mrs. SP Suriyapperuma attended.

This new initiative will further meaningful the purpose of providing public service efficiently to the public through advanced technology.

One-Day National ID Service Launched in North Western Province.

The Department for Registration of Persons, the sole government institution vested with constitutional authority to verify personal identity, has recently implemented a series of organizational and technological reforms to provide the public with faster and more efficient services.

Under a Cabinet-approved proposal empowering the Electronic National Identity Card (eNIC) Project, the Department has begun decentralizing its services by establishing new provincial offices, enabling people to access services closer to their homes.

Accordingly, it has been decided to establish the North Western Provincial Office in Kurunegala, and under the leadership of Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, the One-Day National Identity Card Issuance Service was officially launched Yesterday (3rd).

This marks a significant step forward in improving public convenience. Currently, provincial offices are operational in Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, and Vavuniya, with the one-day ID issuance service already functioning successfully at the Galle and Nuwara Eliya offices.

With the launch of this new service, residents of the North Western Province will no longer need to travel to the Department’s Head Office in Colombo to obtain their National Identity Cards. Instead, they will now have the facility to receive the service within just a few hours at the Kurunegala Provincial Office.

The investment funds and technical support for this initiative are provided by the Electronic National Identity Card Project, and similar offices are planned to be opened in other provinces in the near future.

Attending this occasion were Hon. Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Ananda Sahabandu, Mayor of the Kurunegala Municipal Council, Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy,Indika Ilangakon, Chief Secretary of the North Western Province, District Secretary of Kurunegala, G.P.S.J. de Soysa, Additional District Secretary (Administration) of Kurunegala, and Mrs. M.S.P. Suriapperuma, Commissioner General of the Department for Registration of Persons, along with members of the Board of Directors, government officials, and representatives of local authorities.

This new initiative further strengthens the government’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable, and technologically advanced public services to the citizens of Sri Lanka.

GovPay, a safe and convenient online platform designed to facilitate digital payment facilities for Sri Lanka government services, safely and easily through bank and digital currency wallet for various government-related transactions including taxes, fine, utility bills, education fees and other service fees. Facilitated citizens and businesses to make payments.

According to this date, 40,920 transactions have been done of Rs 1,001 469 008 and many of 200 government institutions have been together for this.

Sri Lanka is doing a leading role in the digitalization process through GovPay. Accordingly, the Information Technology Representative (ICTA) introduced the ability to pay vehicle fine online (online) via GovPay for road law breaches in the Southern Province, starting October 20, 2025. With this, citizens will be able to pay fine through the digital way more easily, transparency and efficiency. It marks a major step in the journey towards a fully digitalized public service in Sri Lanka.

Following the successful pilot program conducted at selected police locations in Kurunegala, Anuradhapura and Matale districts as well as the successful expansion of three Western Province and major highways, the implementation of this service in the Southern Province marks the second phase of our national implementation. Since its inaugural launch in April 2025, it has currently facilitated over 21,600 transactions, which has earned more than 28 million rupees.

This initiative, implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Finance, is led by the Information Communication Technology Representative (ICTA) in cooperation with paid service provider LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd and Sri Lanka Police. In preparation for implementation in the Southern Province, a comprehensive training session and awareness program was conducted for traffic police officers at all police stations in the province, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation.

The GovPay online traffic fine payment system gives car owners a faster, safer, and more transparent opportunity to pay traffic fines. Through this, drivers are reducing the need to attend in-person, reduce delays and increase compliance. This initiative is part of the government's extensive commitment to providing digital control, financial intervention, and citizen-centric services.

The national launch is underway, hoping to integrate other provinces into the system soon, Sri Lanka is paving the way for a fully digitalized and citizen-friendly traffic fine process. GovPay Launches Online Traffic Fine Payment System in the Southern Province GovPay continues to expand digital convenience across Sri Lanka with the launch of its Online Traffic Fine Payment System in the Southern Province, enabling citizens to make fine payments digitally with greater ease, transparency, and efficiency.

Starting from October 20, 2025, motorists in the Southern Province can now pay their traffic fines online through the GovPay platform—marking a major step forward in Sri Lanka’s journey toward a fully digitized public service.

This rollout marks the second phase of the national implementation, following the successful pilot program conducted across selected police stations in Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, and Matale Districts, as well as the progressive expansion to the Western Province and all three major expressways. Since its initial launch in April 2025, the platform has facilitated over 21,600 transactions, generating more than Rs. 28 million in revenue.

Implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Economy, the initiative is driven by the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) in collaboration with LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd, the payment service provider, and the Sri Lanka Police. In preparation for the Southern Province rollout, a comprehensive training and awareness program was conducted for traffic police officers across all police stations in the province, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation.

The GovPay Online Traffic Fine Payment System offers motorists a faster, safer, and more transparent way to settle traffic fines—reducing the need for in-person visits, minimizing delays, and enhancing compliance. This initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to digital governance, financial inclusivity, and citizen-centered service delivery. As the national rollout progresses, additional provinces will soon be integrated into the system, paving the way for a fully digitized and citizen-friendly traffic fine payment process across Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's leading technology festival NITC 2025 convention was organized by Sri Lanka Computer Forum (CSSL) from 14th to 16th October 2025 at Shangrila Hotel Colombo. Here, leaders, innovators and policy makers gathered together to build the country's digital future.

Hon. Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Krishantha Abeyasena was present as Chief Guest on the first day of the conference and awards night and Hon. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Chathuranga Abeyasena was present as the special guest and minister of speaker. Mr. Hans Wijesuriya, President Senior Consultant and President of IT Representative on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, together as the guest of honor.

The main event of the moment was the CSSL National ICT Awards 2024. There, people who made excellent contributions to the Sri Lanka's information and communication technology sector were recognized by the award. Professor Krishantha Abeyasena presented these prestigious awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in the ICT sector.

Among the award winners of this year, Mr. Keerthi Kodithuwakku as the ICT leader of the CSSL year (male) and Mrs. Ishari Suranja Siriwardhana as the ICT leader of the CSSL year (female), Acharya. Mrs. Bhagya Nathalie Silva as ICT researcher of CSSL year, and professor. Mr. Amirathalingam Ramanan was awarded as ICT educator of the year CSSL.

Special messages and greetings from the President and Prime Minister were also presented at the conference and Honorable, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Mr. Eranga Weeraratne in his message emphasizing the importance of fostering cooperation between the state and private sectors, and the necessary for digital transformation, innovation and collaboration in Sri Lanka. It insisted that contribution should be given.

The conference was conducted by Dr. Amal Illesinghe, Chairman of NITC 2025 Conference and Project President Mr. Udesh Seneviratne, Digital Economy Ministry as a Chief Partner. In addition, Mastercard , DMS , SAT companies contributed to this.

NITC 2025 Conference Day 01

Sri Lanka’s premier technology event, the NITC 2025 Conference , organized by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), was held from 14 to 16 October at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, bringing together leaders, innovators, and policymakers driving the nation’s digital future. The prestigious event was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon. Prof. Krishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, and Special Guest and Guest Speaker, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, alongside the Guest of Honor, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of ICTA, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya.

The highlight of the event was the CSSL National ICT Awards 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions to Sri Lanka’s ICT landscape. Hon. Prof. Krishantha Abeysena, as Chief Guest, presented the prestigious awards to the nation’s leading ICT professionals, celebrating excellence and innovation. This year’s winners included Mr. Keerthi Kodithuwakku (CSSL ICT Leader of the Year – Male), Ms. Ishari Suranja Siriwardane (CSSL ICT Leader of the Year – Female), Dr. Bhagya Nathali Silva (CSSL ICT Researcher of the Year), and Prof. Amirthalingam Ramanan (CSSL ICT Educator of the Year).

The event also featured special messages and well-wishes from the President and the Prime Minister, expressing their support for Sri Lanka’s growing digital ecosystem. Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, in his message, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Dr. Amal Illesinghe, Conference Chair of NITC 2025 and Project Chair Mr. Udesh I.W. Seneviratne led the proceedings, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Economy as a key partner, along with strategic partner Mastercard and diamond sponsors DMS and SAT. The NITC 2025 Conference and CSSL National ICT Awards once again underscored the vital role of technology leadership, research, and education in shaping Sri Lanka’s journey towards a resilient, knowledge-based digital economy.

During the official visit to Australia, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Finance Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, Prof. Michelle Chan.

The meeting discussed the strategic importance of digital transformation in Sri Lanka and the need to improve collaboration by exchanging resources with Australia to further that sector.

Cyber security, data centers, AI data centers, and data embassies (Data Embassies) as collaboration opportunities between the two parties were focused. These are essential for strengthening digital productivity, data security and national data autonomy in Sri Lanka.

Also, the department also discussed programs that can be implemented together with the aim of improving AI literacy and skills, especially among students and the public. This will lead to the future generations of Sri Lanka and the younger generation to create a nourished future with the power of AI.

The meeting continued strong collaboration and relationship between Sri Lanka and Australia to advance the digital future.

During his official visit to Australia, Hon. the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, met with Ms. Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia.

The discussion focused on the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and the potential to deepen collaboration with Australia through shared expertise and resources.

Both sides explored key areas of partnership, including cybersecurity, data centers, AI data centers, and data embassies, all vital components for enhancing Sri Lanka’s digital productivity, data security, and national data sovereignty.

They also discussed joint initiatives aimed at building AI literacy and practical capabilities among students and the wider public, empowering the next generation to lead in an AI-driven future.

This meeting further strengthened the partnership between Sri Lanka and Australia in advancing a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital future.

Hon, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, during his official visit to Australia, met Dr. Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister of Science, Technology and Digital Economy.

The discussion focused on the important role of digitalization in leading economic and social transformation in Sri Lanka. The Deputy Minister of the Sri Lankan Government's strategic priorities and continuous initiatives to speed up digital public infrastructure, nurture innovations, and enhance digital inclusion across all sectors.

The Hon. Dr. Charlton shared a valuable insight into Australia's digital transformation framework, where he explained facts about overall state access, technology policies control, and strong state-private collaboration in advancing the digital economy.

The department shared ideas on opportunities in close bilateral collaboration in key sectors such as capability growth, digital policy development, digital infrastructure, cyber security and AI control.

The collaboration to utilize technology for an inclusive digital development in Sri Lanka and Australia all marked another forward step to strengthen digital collaboration among the two countries that were reaffirmed.

Hon. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, met with Hon. Dr. Andrew Charlton MP, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology, and the Digital Economy of Australia, during his official visit to Australia.

The discussion focused on the vital role of digitalization in driving Sri Lanka’s economic and social transformation. Hon. Weeraratne outlined the Sri Lankan Government’s strategic priorities and ongoing initiatives to accelerate digital public infrastructure, foster innovation, and enhance digital inclusion across all sectors.

Hon. Dr. Charlton shared valuable insights into Australia’s digital transformation framework, highlighting its whole-of-government approach, technology policy governance, and strong public–private collaboration in advancing the digital economy.

Both parties recognized the potential for closer bilateral cooperation in key areas, including capacity building, digital policy development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI governance.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Sri Lanka and Australia to harness technology for inclusive development and marked another step forward in strengthening digital collaboration between the two nations.