Sri Lanka Digital Transformation

pipeline

The Sri Lanka Digital Transformation project will accelerate the digitalization of public services and create efficiencies through shared digital platforms that can be leveraged across sectors and boost the digital startup ecosystem and international opportunities for IT firms. The project is designed around two components: 1. Digital Government and Services This component aims to digitalize public service delivery, making it more accessible and efficient. It will support the development of an online government service delivery portal that brings together services from across sectors, setting up a national data exchange for seamless data sharing among government entities, and expanding cloud-based government data hosting. These investments will be complemented by targeted capacity-building programs to boost digital adoption among people and government officials. Support for citizens will focus on enhancing basic digital literacy and adoption of digital services among underserved groups, including women, youth, and the elderly. To achieve this, the project will support the development and delivery of digital literacy training, the setup of citizen service desks across select underserved communities, and the rollout of an information, communications, and education campaign. In addition, the component will support the operationalization of empowered digital institutions and the development and implementation of the necessary policy frameworks to accelerate digital transformation. 2. Digital Startup Ecosystem and Industry DevelopmentThis component will create a robust enabling environment for digital entrepreneurship and for the continued growth of Sri Lanka’s IT sector. It will support the formulation of a comprehensive IT industry development strategy to promote IT exports, growth, and job creation in the digital sector. The project will also provide acceleration support for digital startups and strengthen the capacity of existing startup incubators and tech hubs. The participation of female entrepreneurs will be supported through targeted outreach and a dedicated track for women-led (and co-led) startups. In addition, the project will deliver market access support for mid-sized IT services and tech firms, including targeted export promotion initiatives, to competitively position Sri Lankan firms and facilitate new business opportunities across two to three priority markets. This component will be implemented in close coordination with the industry and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).