President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised the need for the support of all professionals to digitise the country and actively participate in the process, at a time when the expectations of the political establishment and digital technologists are aligned.
He also assured that he would firmly stand by this vision at any time.
The President shared these remarks while addressing officials of the Digital Economic Affairs Ministry after assuming duties as the Digital Economic Affairs Minister on Thursday (5). Highlighting the benefits of digitalisation, the President stated that it has the potential to enhance the efficiency of economic activities and elevate the country’s economy to greater heights.
The President highlighted that the Government’s primary objectives are poverty eradication, transforming social attitudes, and advancing digitalisation.
The President emphasised that a country’s development cannot be achieved solely by constructing buildings. Reflecting on the past, he recalled the existence of a dedicated construction ministry two decades ago and noted that currently, construction activities are being undertaken by every ministry.
He revealed that during discussions with the Education Ministry authorities and university chancellors last year, no attention was given to education reforms, with the focus remaining solely on building construction.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also highlighted that despite the Labour Ministry possessing two large buildings, there has been no reduction in public queues, stressing that digitalisation is essential to address such issues effectively.
The ministry has outlined a plan to generate an income of US$ 15 billion within the next five years through the digital economy.
Efforts will also be directed towards increasing the digital workforce to 200,000 and digitising the entire country within the same timeframe. Deputy Digital Economy Minister engineer Eranga Weeraratne assumed duties during this occasion.
The event was attended by President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Affairs and ICTA Chairman Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya and officials.
The President with the Digital Economic Affairs Ministry officials.
