By Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation Takes Center Stage at DPI Summit 2025
Sri Lanka’s digital future was the focal point of the recent Sri Lanka DPI Summit 2025 held in Colombo, where government officials, international partners, and tech experts gathered to discuss the country’s ongoing digital transformation. The summit underscored the importance of a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework as the foundation for modernizing public services and strengthening the economy.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, highlighted that Sri Lanka’s digital ID system will play a vital role in bridging the gap between government services and the private sector, creating a seamless digital experience for citizens. “The digital infrastructure we are building now is the foundation for every future digital modernization effort in Sri Lanka,” Weeraratne said, noting that these initiatives could help the country’s digital economy reach a target of $15 billion by 2030.
One of the significant developments discussed was the GovPay platform, which is aimed at modernizing government revenue collection. By transitioning to an online payment system, GovPay will make it easier for citizens to pay taxes, utility bills, and other public fees, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience.
The summit also saw the launch of a new civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system, which will improve the tracking of births, deaths, and public health data. This system will help the government make more informed decisions and offer better services to its citizens, contributing to an overall digital modernization.
Sri Lanka is also advancing its digital ID system, modeled after India’s Aadhaar. The digital ID initiative will give every citizen a unique identity linked to biometric data, ensuring easier access to services like healthcare, banking, and government benefits. This system, which will begin with a digital ID from birth, aims to provide universal digital inclusion. The government has also made strides toward rolling out electronic National Identity Cards (e-NICs), which will include facial, iris, and fingerprint data, marking a critical step in the country’s move toward a fully digital public infrastructure.
The summit, co-organized by Citra Lab, also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve these ambitious digital goals. As Sri Lanka moves forward with its digital initiatives, the focus will be on building a secure and inclusive digital economy that benefits all citizens.
Through these digital advancements, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation, with an eye toward creating a more connected, transparent, and prosperous future for its people.
