FITIS gears up to make Sri Lanka a digital hub in Asia

The Federation of Information Technology, (FITIS) declared to make Sri Lanka the leading innovation and digital economic hub in Asia by fostering emerging technologies, enabling a future-ready workforce and driving sustainable digital transformation that enhances global competitiveness and inclusive prosperity.

It was decided at a strategic planning session attended by top-end professionals of the information technology industry held at Pegasus Reef Hotel Wattala. The key members unanimously agreed for the new mission statement developed by the FITIS.

“Sri Lanka is a digital society that continuously delivers prosperity and competitiveness in the global market by fostering emerging technologies, enabling a future-ready workforce and driving sustainable digital transformation that enhances global competitiveness and inclusive prosperity,” said FITIS Chairman Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, at the declaration.

“Sri Lanka has the power to transform its growth trajectory by equipping its highly literate population with digital skills and creating a digitally enabled economy. The FITIS understands the urgency of this moment and is prepared to lead with focus, collaboration and results. 

By strategically leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, not just adopting but adapting them to our context, Sri Lanka can build unique digital advantages and differentiate itself globally. Through initiatives such as policy advocacy, digital skilling programmes and industry innovation platforms, the FITIS aims to create a digital ecosystem that reflects our national strengths and unlock long-term prosperity,” added Dr. Rajapakse.

He invited all stakeholders across the government, industry and academia to join in building a digitally empowered Sri Lanka, one that thrives on innovation, inclusivity and global competitiveness.

He further noted that the FITIS is in the process of creating a research paper on digital economy to finally encourage more citizens in Sri Lanka to be involved in digital use at national level, aiming to benchmark the international standards. 

“This review paper will be developed after studying the needs of a digital economy and is expected to be completed by September,” said Dr. Rajapakse. He also said, “The FITIS is firmly committed to advancing the national goal of achieving the US $ 15 billion digital economy by 2030, a core component of the government’s DigiEcon 2030 vision. The federation is uniquely equipped to lead the transformation with a focused five-strategic pillars and seven specialised chapters covering every facet of the ICT ecosystem. 

The Infrastructure Chapter will develop the essential backbone. The Software, Digital Services and Telecommunications Chapters will drive modernisation through innovative solutions. The ICT Education and Training Chapter will build a future-ready workforce and the Professional Chapter will provide critical expertise on security, compliance and integration.”