Sri Lanka's digital transformation

Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of modern economic growth, driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation across sectors. The integration of digital tools, automation, and AI has optimised operations in manufacturing, services, and public administration while enabling new business models, startups, fintech solutions, e-commerce platforms, and digital services.

- BY VISVALINGAM MURALITHAS

Digital payment system has facilitated seamless financial transactions for millions of small businesses, significantly boosting economic activity. Similarly, countries like South Korea and Singapore have leveraged AI and robust digital infrastructure to enhance global competitiveness, while China's digital governance platforms demonstrate how technology can improve transparency, accountability, and public service delivery on a massive scale. Digital transformation promotes social inclusion, financial access, and entrepreneurship. Mobile banking, digital payment systems, and fintech applications have extended financial services to underserved populations. It also creates employment opportunities in IT, AI, data analytics, fintech, e-commerce, and digital marketing, while upskilling the workforce. Digital tools bridge urban-rural divides, empower women and youth, and enhance access to education, healthcare, and agricultural services. By fostering innovation, supporting startups and SMEs, and transforming key sectors, digitalisation becomes a strategic driver of sustainable growth, inclusive development, and long-term economic resilience.

Over the past decade, India has undergone one of the most rapid digital transformations in the world. What began as a strategic national vision to empower 1.4 billion citizens through digital infrastructure has evolved into a socioeconomic revolution that is reshaping governance, commerce, education, healthcare, and daily life. With widespread mobile connectivity, large-scale digital identity systems, world-leading payment innovations, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, India today stands as a global model of inclusive digital development.

For Sri Lanka—an economy undergoing fiscal reforms, governance restructuring, and institutional modernisation—India's transformation offers a powerful blueprint.