Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: 75% Ready for a Digital-Driven Future Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman, Information and Communication Technology Agency highlighted that Sri Lanka has 75% of the necessary skills in place to build a robust digital economy. Yet, to fully unlock its potential, the country must bridge the remaining gap and elevate its digital competitiveness to the upper first quartile within the next three years. Speaking at the Ignite Growth Forum by the Advocata Institute, Dr. Wijayasuriya laid out a roadmap for this transformation: ✅ Recalibrating Our Approach: Accelerating the adoption of new ways of working. ✅ Strengthening Institutional Frameworks: Establishing strong apex bodies and execution units to drive digital initiatives. ✅ Updating Legislation: Aligning key acts, such as the Data Protection Act and the Electronic Transactions Act, with evolving digital needs. ✅ Developing Comprehensive Standards: From API rules to cybersecurity, ensuring robust digital service delivery. ✅ Data Governance & AI Strategy: Building a national data exchange while safeguarding privacy and exploring energy solutions for AI-powered innovation. Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s energy strategies for data centers, Dr. Wijayasuriya stressed the importance of creative, collaborative solutions for advancing Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. With focused effort from all stakeholders, Sri Lanka has the potential to leap into a new era of economic growth and global competitiveness. The foundation is strong—let’s take it to the next level. What are your thoughts on the next steps for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation? Share your insights below! #DigitalEconomy #SriLanka #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #AI #DataGovernance #EconomicGrowth

GovPay: Workshop for the pioneers prior to the launch As we approach the launch of GovPay, the Government Digital Payment Platform (GDPP), at the end of January 2025, Information and Communication Technology Agency thrilled to announce the significant strides made in advancing digital payment accessibility in Sri Lanka. Initially integrating 16 key government institutions, GovPay will expand to include 30 more institutions in two subsequent phases, achieving full implementation by April 2025. This phased rollout reflects a strong commitment to providing a seamless, citizen-friendly experience, empowering individuals and businesses to make payments for government services effortlessly through online banking platforms and popular FinTech applications. In preparation for the national launch ICTA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and LankaPay (Private) Limited, hosted a GovPay Readiness Workshop for representatives of the 16 enrolled institutions. This session focused on familiarizing participants with the platform’s enhanced features and ensuring readiness for sustainable implementation. Among the pioneering institutions offering citizens the convenience of digital government payments are: ·       Department of Ayurveda ·       Department of Technical Education and Training ·       Gampaha Municipal Council ·       Jaffna Divisional Secretariat ·       Kegalle Divisional Secretariat ·       Mahara Divisional Secretariat ·       National Cancer Institute Apeksha Development Committee ·       Rambukkana Pradeshiya Sabha ·       Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat ·       Atomic Energy Board ·       Port Authority ·       Survey Department ·       Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka ·       Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat ·       University of Moratuwa ·       Vocational Training Authority GovPay is already integrated with nine leading commercial banks: ·       Hatton National Bank ·       Pan Asia Bank ·       Sampath Bank ·       Seylan Bank ·       DFCC Bank ·       Commercial Bank ·       Bank of Ceylon ·       People’s Bank ·       NDB Bank The platform will soon welcome leading FinTech applications such as iPay and HelaPay, further enhancing accessibility and convenience for users. Stay tuned as we take bold steps towards a digitally empowered Sri Lanka, fostering transparency, efficiency, and convenience in government payments! #GovPay #DigitalTransformation #SriLanka #DigitalPayments #FinTech #GovernmentServices #ICTA #LankaPay #MinistryOfDigitalEconomy

Dr. Ajantha Atukorale: Two years of exceptional leadership We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Ajantha Atukorale as he concludes his distinguished tenure as President of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL). His exceptional leadership has been instrumental in propelling CSSL to new heights. Under Dr. Atukorale's stewardship, CSSL successfully organized two national conferences in 2023 and 2024, celebrating the contributions of numerous professionals to the field and the nation. A pivotal highlight of his tenure was the introduction of the concept of Society 5.0 as a guiding framework for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. Originating in Japan, Society 5.0 envisions a human-centred society that harmonizes economic advancement with the resolution of social challenges through the integration of cyberspace and physical space. “Society 5.0 represents a paradigm shift,” said Dr. Atukorale. “It’s about using technology not just to drive economic growth but to create a society where everyone can thrive — one that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.” Dr. Atukorale emphasized that adopting the principles of Society 5.0 would enable Sri Lanka to address challenges such as aging populations, resource scarcity, and inequality while simultaneously unlocking new opportunities in areas like smart agriculture, e-health, and education. As we bid farewell to Dr. Atukorale, we express our profound gratitude for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the computing profession in Sri Lanka. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. With warmest regards, from Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka.

Take the next step in your career with ICTA! Join a dynamic team that drives Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and innovation. Work alongside leaders, contribute to impactful projects, and grow your career in a thriving environment. Apply now at https://career.icta.lk and be part of a future-focused organization. We look forward to welcoming you!

Elevate Your Career with an Internship at ICTA!   Join our team and engage yourself with innovation and technology. Collaborate with industry experts, contribute to national projects, and gain invaluable experience that will shape your future career. Apply now and become a key player in driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey.   Visit https://career.icta.lk to apply.   We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

ICTA Embarks on 2025 with Renewed Hope and Confidence The dawn of 2025 marks a fresh beginning for the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). Unlike the previous year, characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity, ICTA steps into this new year with renewed confidence and optimism. During the public officers’ pledge ceremony, the agency reiterated the nation’s aspirations for restoring coexistence, fostering social and economic development, embracing modernity, and enriching cultural life. ICTA's dedicated team vowed to contribute towards making Sri Lanka a fully digital nation. They also endorsed the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, emphasizing the importance of accountability and teamwork in creating a prosperous nation and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

GovPay Set to Expand Across 16 Institutions by January End We are excited to share updates on GovPay, the Government Digital Payment Platform designed to transform public services in Sri Lanka! Initiative led by the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka - ICTA in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and with technical expertise from LankaPay, GovPay is a key pillar of the government’s Digital Economy program. This platform empowers citizens to make seamless online payments for various services, boosting efficiency, transparency, and digital adoption in financial transactions. First Phase Organizations: The first phase of GovPay includes a diverse group of institutions ready for island-wide implementation: • Department of Ayurveda • Department of Technical Education and Training • Gampaha Municipal Council • Jaffna Divisional Secretariat • Kegalle Divisional Secretariat • Mahara Divisional Secretariat • National Cancer Institute Apeksha Development Committee • Rambukkana Pradeshiya Sabha • Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat • Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board • Sri Lanka Ports Authority • Sri Lanka Survey Department • Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka • Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat • University of Moratuwa • Vocational Training Authority With the island-wide launch planned for the end of January, GovPay represents a major step forward in building a digitally empowered Sri Lanka. Let’s embrace this transformation and make 2025 a year of progress!

GovPay: TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SERVICE PAYMENTS IN SRI LANKA 🟦 GovPay, an initiative spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka and LankaPay, is poised to redefine how citizens interact with government services. This groundbreaking project is supported by the Ministry of Digital Economy - Sri Lanka and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, ensuring a strong foundation for a future-oriented, digitally inclusive nation. This project aims to establish a centralized digital platform, serving as a convenient "Citizen’s One Stop Shop" for online payments, catering to individuals and businesses. 🟦 Set to launch by the end of January 2025, GovPay will initially integrate 16 government institutions. An additional 30 institutions are scheduled to onboard in two subsequent phases, achieving full implementation by April 2025. This phased rollout underscores a commitment to creating a seamless, user-centric experience, enabling citizens to make payments for government services effortlessly through popular fintech applications or online banking platforms. 🟦 GovPay integrated with nine leading commercial banks, including Hatton National Bank PLC, Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC, Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank PLC, DFCC Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, and National Development Bank PLC (NDB), will ensure seamless payment accessibility for users. Additionally, popular FinTech applications such as iPay and HelaPay are set to join the platform in the near future, further expanding digital payment options and convenience. 🟦 In modernizing revenue collection processes, GovPay ensures enhanced control, accuracy, security, and transparency in financial transactions for government organizations, thereby facilitating more efficient and accountable financial management. Aligned with the digital government strategy, GovPay integrates data-driven processes to enhance operational efficiency and responsiveness. By leveraging analytics, it enables government entities to make informed decisions, ultimately improving service delivery standards. GovPay contributes to the optimization of government service delivery by boosting efficiency in financial transactions, and reducing administrative burdens, and costs, leading to more time-effective and cost-efficient services for the public. 🟦 The realization of GovPay would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our banking and fintech partners. Their collaboration has been instrumental in crafting a platform that meets the highest standards of accessibility, security, and efficiency. 🟦 GovPay embodies a vision where technology bridges the gap between citizens and essential services, paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive government.

PIVOTAL MILESTONE FOR SRI LANKA'S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Last week marked a significant moment for Sri Lanka's digital landscape as His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially assumed duties as the Minister of Digital Economy, with Hon. Eranga Weeraratne serving as his Deputy. This strategic appointment underscores the government's commitment to national digitalization, aiming to boost economic efficiency, drive growth, and eradicate poverty. President Dissanayake emphasized the importance of aligning political vision with technological aspirations, urging professionals to play a central role in advancing this transformation. The Ministry has set an ambitious target of generating USD 15 billion in revenue from the digital economy over the next five years. This vision also includes expanding the digital workforce to 200,000 and achieving full digitalization within the same timeframe. The President underscored the need for unified goals between political leadership and officials to realize the vision of a fully digital nation. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, the newly appointed Chairman of the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), lauded the establishment of the results-driven Digital Economy Ministry as a landmark initiative. He highlighted the transformative potential of a digital society in reducing disparities, emphasizing that the true measure of digitalization lies in equal access to educational and technological opportunities for students across the country, regardless of geography. The event was also attended by Dr. Nandika Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, and Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy. This bold initiative reaffirms the potential of digitalization to reshape societal perspectives and enhance economic activities, heralding a new era of connectivity and technological advancement for Sri Lanka.

ICTA WELCOMES ITS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, recently appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the Principal Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy, will chair the board of Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka in a non-executive role. Other board members include Messers Sanjaya Karunasena, Harsha Purasinghe, Chandima Cooray, Bandula Ranatunga, Jeffrey Sulfer, Samisa Abeysinghe, Shanaka Rabel, Udesh I W Seneviratna and M.R.V.R. Meepura. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, with over 30 years in ICT, is the Group CEO of Axiata Group's Telecommunications Business in Asia. He led Dialog Axiata PLC to market leadership in Sri Lanka and contributes to national initiatives like the Unique Digital Identity program. He serves on the boards of GSMA and Sri Lankan Airlines. Sanjaya Karunasena, a digital governance expert with 26 years in the industry, is a co-founder of Nimbus Venture and Digital Democracy Collective. He has served as CTO of Sri Lanka's ICTA and holds BSc Eng (Hons) and MSc degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Moratuwa. Harsha Purasinghe, founder of MiHCM and Futura Tech Labs, is a technology entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. An Eisenhower Fellow, he has been recognized as Sri Lanka's most outstanding ICT entrepreneur and regularly speaks at global events. Chandima Cooray, a partner at Acornic Ventures and co-founder of Ayubo.life, has 25+ years of experience in business transformation. He previously served as Chief Digital Officer at Hemas Holdings and has worked with organizations like Unilever. Bandula Ranathunga, an eGovernment expert, leads digital transformation in Sri Lanka’s public sector. He manages Smart Ticketing for Sri Lanka Railways and has postgraduate qualifications in eGovernance and public administration. Jiffry Zulfer, founder and CEO of PickMe, introduced online ride-hailing to Sri Lanka. A technopreneur recognized with multiple national awards, he previously led FITIS's Digital Chapter. Samisa Abeysinghe, a software engineer with AI and middleware expertise, has held senior roles at WSO2 and ICTA. Now a consultant and mentor, he applies his extensive industry knowledge to IT sector development. Shanaka Rabel, Group Chief Digital Officer at Stretchline Holdings, specializes in Industry 4.0 and process automation. With 23 years of experience, he hold a first degree in Computer Science and an MBA from Sheffield University. Udesh I W Seneviratna 🇱🇰, a senior public administrator, is the Additional Director General at the Department of IT Management, General Treasury. He has multiple postgraduate qualifications and earned a Master's degree in Japan. MRVR Meepura, Director of Public Enterprises, has over 30 years experience in the public sector. He has held board positions in Chilaw Plantations and contributed to Sri Lanka's accounting standards.