By Sri Lanka’s digital landscape is about to undergo a major shift. This week, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution paving the way for a crucial new entity: the Digital Development Agency. This agency, championed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe himself, marks a bold step towards propelling Sri Lanka into the digital age.
The agency’s responsibilities are ambitious, encompassing strategic leadership, policy formulation, and investment guidance. At its core, it will guide Sri Lanka’s digital development journey, setting long-term goals, navigating the regulatory landscape, and fostering collaboration between the government and private sectors.
But there’s a secret weapon in this agency’s arsenal: artificial intelligence (AI). A dedicated National AI Center will be established, focusing on research, development, and ethical deployment of AI solutions. This is a game-changer. AI can automate government services, predict and prevent cyber threats, and optimize digital platforms.
Imagine chatbots seamlessly handling citizen inquiries, AI-powered agriculture systems boosting yields, and healthcare powered by intelligent disease diagnosis. These are just glimpses of the future Sri Lanka could embrace with AI.
However, Sri Lanka isn’t starting from scratch. It boasts a relatively high literacy rate, a growing tech startup ecosystem, and an expanding digital infrastructure. These are strong foundations for the agency to build upon.
Of course, challenges remain. Limited access to advanced AI technology, a brain drain of skilled talent, and a small domestic market are hurdles that need to be overcome. But with a focused AI strategy and the agency’s guidance, Sri Lanka can bridge these gaps.
So, how does Sri Lanka stack up against its South Asian neighbours? It has advantages like a strong literacy base and a proactive government, but it also faces limitations in certain areas. The key lies in leveraging its strengths, addressing weaknesses, and harnessing the transformative power of AI.
The establishment of the Digital Development Agency, with its unwavering focus on AI, is a clear signal of Sri Lanka’s intent. It’s a strategic move that could position the country as a leader in the South Asian digital landscape. Sri Lanka’s future is no longer just digital – it’s intelligent. And the path forward is paved with a bold vision, strategic leadership, and the transformative power of AI.
