Ravi says digitalization will help mid-income countries improve public service efficiency

The economic digitalization process proposed by Budget 2017 will create a conducive background, giving easy access to markets and technology, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said.
He also pointed out that digitalization will help mid-income level countries such as Sri Lanka to lay a firm foundation to improving efficiency in public service by developing human resources and ensuring transparency in state administration. 
It will also help end old practices of making illegal economic gains in the sector, Karunanayake noted. Budget 2017 has allocated Rs.15 billion for economic digitalization and the Inland Revenue Department will be able to expand its tax administration and tax foundation under 
this project.

At the same time, a separate office will be established to prepare e-files and e-payment system for tax payers. 
The e-National Identity Card, which is already activated, will also help immensely in implementing this process. In addition, every person will be issued a digital signature which will ultimately facilitate in widening commercial activities in the country. A mechanism will be implemented through a national payment platform to enable citizens to make all payments through the Internet, and activities of the National Information Centre will be commenced in 2017.
In the meantime, it is expected to connect all government ministries, government departments and other state institutions through a video conferencing system. 
Amid all these activities, a separate programme will be implemented with international cooperation to strengthen cyber security in the country to protect the system, Finance Minister Karunanayake said.