Sri Lanka’s digital leap forward comes under spotlight at Disrupt Asia 2025

SRI Lanka’s digital ambitions took centre stage yesterday, as Disrupt Asia 2025, the country’s flagship startup conference and innovation festival drew global investors and entrepreneurs, highlighting growing confidence in its tech future.

- By CHARUMINI DE SILVA

The main conference held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who also serves as the Digital Economy Minister, brought together over 100 venture capitalists from 20 countries and international startup delegations. The President also toured the Startup Showcase.

Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne called the forum a milestone in Sri Lanka’s transformation agenda. “Disrupt Asia 2025 is a catalyst to empower our youth, attract global investment and accelerate our digital economy. It creates the vital bridge between talented entrepreneurs and global opportunities, positioning Sri Lanka as the gateway for innovation across South Asia,” he said.

A high-powered panel discussion titled “Roadmap to Becoming South Asia’s Innovation Hub” featured Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, ICTA Chairman and Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Economic Adviser to the President and EY Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Managing Partner Duminda Hulangamuwa, and World Bank Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Gevorg Sargsyan with TWC Holdings Founder and Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe moderating the session.

The panellists comprising top economic leaders, policymakers and development partners outlined reforms needed to sustain macroeconomic stability, investment agenda boosting digital exports, strengthening startup financing and positioning the country as a hub for innovation.

Economic stabilisation and growth momentum

Dr. Weerasinghe noted that the economy has made a sharp turnaround from the 2022 cri-

sis. “We now have adequate reserves, a stable currency, political stability and a stock market at an all-time high,” he said.

The Governor said Sri Lanka has posted six consecutive quarters of growth, now approaching 5% with medium-term growth potential of around 5% per year.