Sri Lanka's digital future: Framework for reaching digital economy by 2030

AS Sri Lanka recovers from one of its most difficult economic periods since independence, the national discussion is shifting from stabilisation to long-term transformation.

- By Prof. (Dr.) Dewasiri N. Jayantha

The digital economy is not only an economic goal; it is the pathway to a more resilient, inclusive, and globally integrated Sri Lankan future.

The 2026 Budget, introduced under the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA), signals the start of a new era of economic governance rooted in predictability, fiscal responsibility, and structural reform. Central to this shift is the country's growing drive towards a modern, innovation-led digital economy - one that makes digital infrastructure, e-government, and technology-enabled services key pillars of future growth.

This vision requires more than sectoral growth; it necessitates rethinking how the State, the private sector, and society engage in the digital age. It calls for new investments in public digital infrastructure, modernised regulation, widespread digital skills, and a coherent national strategy that aligns ambition with action. To facilitate this transformation, this article introduces a comprehensive National Digital Economy Framework-a structured roadmap outlining the pillars, enablers, and outcomes vital to creating a competitive and inclusive digital nation.

As policymakers consider the way forward, and industry leaders assess Sri Lanka's role in the global digital landscape, this analysis offers a grounded, future-oriented view of what must change-and what is achievable-between now and 2030.

Digital public infrastructure: The backbone of a modern digital economy