Sri Lanka

In a pioneering move to bolster the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in Sri Lanka, the apex body of the ICT industry, FITIS, has unveiled the “DigiGo” Digital Playbook for SMEs, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.The launch event took place at a press conference recently at the President’s Media Centre, (PMC). Organized by the FITIS Digital Services Chapter, in collaboration with LKDomain Registry and under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries - Plantation Industries, as well as the Ministry of Technology, DigiGo aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for SMEs seeking affordable local digital services, guiding them on their journey towards digital transformation.Addressing the gathering State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in propelling the growth of the SME sector.

He underscored how technology can provide solutions to the common challenges faced by SMEs, including accessing seed capital, expanding into new markets, overcoming resource constraints and addressing logistical issues.

He also expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with FITIS to launch the DigiGo initiative, which he believes will significantly enhance the SME sector in the country, the PMD said in a statement.Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that the government has initiated the “Digicon 2030” program, with the primary objective of formulating a national digital economic policy for the year 2030.

This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Technology, the industry and with the support of the World Bank (WB).

The resulting document was officially presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Notably, SMEs have been identified as one of the six key pillars in shaping the digital economy strategy.

This underscores the importance of supporting SMEs in achieving the objectives of the digital economic strategy, it said.The State Minister of Technology, acknowledged the prevalent challenge of limited digital education among SMEs, especially those outside major urban centres like Colombo and Kandy.

In response, DigiGo will serve as a guiding resource, enabling SMEs to explore available digital platforms and fully embrace the advantages of going digital.

The program plans to host quarterly DigiGo events in all 25 districts by 2030, ensuring the widespread dissemination of digital knowledge.With the recent launch of DigiGo, Minister Herath emphasized its role in promoting awareness about digital transformation and the benefits it offers to all SMEs in Sri Lanka.

The DigiGo digital playbook, unveiled during the launch, serves as a unique platform showcasing a wide array of available digital services, creating opportunities for business growth and expansion in the digital sphere. The inaugural event, scheduled to commence on October 20th in Galle, is planned to expand its reach to all 25 districts through collaboration with local business communities.

FITIS, in partnership with the Ministry of Technology and various public and private stakeholders, will facilitate these sessions, aimed at empowering SMEs to embrace the digital era and unlock their full potential.In a significant development, Ms.

Chio Kenda, the World Bank Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, unveiled the “DigiGo Innovate Digitally to Succeed” initiative during her speech.

She underscored the potential for digital development to address both global and local challenges, emphasizing its role in job creation, market expansion and the enhancement of access to finance.

As Sri Lanka navigates its way out of an economic crisis and sets forth on the path to recovery, the strategic development and implementation of a national business strategy by 2030 are deemed crucial steps, the statement added.On a global scale, the digital economy presents substantial opportunities for SMEs to make significant contributions to national incomes.

In the year 2023, business-to-consumer e-commerce recorded sales of nearly US $6 trillion.

With over 1.7 million SMEs propelling economic growth in Sri Lanka and driving employment, they collectively represent approximately 90% of all businesses in the country.

They are responsible for providing 45% of the nation’s employment opportunities and contribute to almost half of the country’s GDP.However, SMEs, whether on a global scale or in the Sri Lankan context, face distinctive challenges when it comes to embracing digital transformation.

These challenges include constraints related to limited resources, knowledge and digital expertise.

Such limitations hinder the potential for business growth, innovation and the attainment of economic and social inclusivity.

To address these common challenges, the Digital Goal Programme has been established as a collaborative endeavour, featuring active participation from the private sector, government and local stakeholders, with the essential support of relevant partners.In her address, it was disclosed that the World Bank takes pride in its role as a knowledge partner in this digital program and applauds the central focus on decentralizing SMEs within the upcoming national digital strategy.

The institution has committed to providing on-going technical support to both the government and the private sector as they collaborate to shape the 2030 strategy for a digital Sri Lanka.

These collaborative efforts are aimed at boosting economic competitiveness, fostering skills development and ultimately facilitating the creation of higher-paying jobs within the country.The inaugural DigiGo event, which is regionally planned, is scheduled to take place on October 20th in Galle, under the guidance of Dr.

Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries - Plantation Industries, and Kanaka Herath, State Minister of Technology.

The World Bank’s support for this event underscores its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation in alignment with the nation’s digital economy strategy.Mr.

Indika De Zoysa, Chairman of FITIS, unveiled the ground-breaking DigiGo initiative, highlighting the myriad opportunities it offers through digital technologies.

DigiGo, from data analytics to e-commerce, aims to provide SMEs with a platform for knowledge sharing, featuring insights from industry experts and thought leaders on emerging trends, best practices and strategies driving digital innovation.SMEs, which contribute 52% to Sri Lanka’s GDP and represent over 75% of businesses, have long been the backbone of the economy, offering 45% of employment and contributing 20% to exports, as per the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Acknowledging their pivotal role in the nation’s economic revival, the government has designated them as a key pillar in the “Digital Economy Strategy 2030.” DigiGo is poised to propel Sri Lanka’s digital economy by bridging the technology-business gap, fostering a thriving digital ecosystem, with a special focus on the 1 million+ SMEs across the island.The event was attended by Professor Gihan Dias, a founder member of DigiGo, Omar Sahib, President of the FITIS Digital Services Chapter, Chief Executive Officer of LankaPay Chandran De Silva and other officials, according to the PMD.





Unlimited Portal Access + Monthly Magazine - 12 issues-Publication from Jan 2021


Buy Our Merchandise (Peace Series)

 


Contribute US to Start Broadcasting



It's Voluntary! Take care of your Family, Friends and People around You First and later think about us. Its Fine if you dont wish to contribute and if you wish to contribute then think about the Homeless first and Feed them. We can survive with your wishes too :-). You can Buy our Merchandise too which are of the finest quality.

Debit/Credit/UPI

UPI/Debit/Credit

Paytm


STRIPE




SCAN and Contribute
        


Govt. to regulate third-party deposits in senior citizens savings accounts


Sri Lanka Navy promotes over 3,000 sailors on 15th Victory Day anniversary


Ella?Wellawaya roadway temporarily closed once again


Crew of 20 Indians, Sri Lankan stuck on crippled ship in Baltimore for 7 weeks, can t pay bills


Economic Transformation Bill and Public Financial Mgmt. Bill to be tabled in parliament


[Sri Lanka] - President exposes plans for AI-driven agricultural transformation in Sri Lanka


[Sri Lanka] - Ice worth around Rs. 100mn found inside parcel from Guatemala


Special traffic plan for War Heroes Day ceremony


[Sri Lanka] - Kusal Mendis visa not rejected? SLC


Match-fixing case- Sachithra Senanayake s voice test report delayed


[Sri Lanka] - Gammanpila urges govt to decline brand-new US Ambassador nominee


Four army personnel acquitted over 2013 Rathupaswala shooting


UN report urges accountability and public apology for Sri Lanka s enforced disappearances


Advisories issued for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas


[Sri Lanka] - Sri Lanka s macroeconomic policies are beginning to flourish - IMF


[Sri Lanka] - Two arrested with over 1,000 smart phones and 200 pen drives at BIA


[Sri Lanka] - Rathupaswala shooting- High Court to provide decision today


Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list celebrates Sri Lanka s Dinara


[Sri Lanka] - Armed forces personnel from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal to start Lumbini-Colombo bike exploration


Govt prepared to confront legal action from companies over estate workers wage hike - Jeevan


Heavy showers of about 100mm expected in several provinces


[Sri Lanka] - President fulfills Sri Lankan cricket team heading to T20 World Cup, extends finest desires


Choose France investment push bags record $16 billion in pledges


US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu calls on President Ranil


Cyclists jailed for street racing on Galle Road fined, licenses suspended


[Sri Lanka] - SC concludes hearing petitions versus Sri Lanka Electricity Bill


SC calls for progress report on probe into Pastor Jerome Fernando


Retired Auxiliary Bishop Marius Peiris dies


[Sri Lanka] - Court order released preventing interruptions to new SLFP Chairman and Act. Gen. Sec


Foreigner injured after base jumping from Colombo Lotus Tower


Edu. Minister responds to concerns over O'L English and Science papers


School sports coaches to receive teaching appointments


Court order against protest planned by uni. students and staff in Nugegoda


Police fire water cannons at protesting university non-academic personnel


[Sri Lanka] - Resumption of India-Sri Lanka traveler ferry service held off


Toddler dies after choking on piece of carrot


Health trade unions release strike at Central Province healthcare facilities


[Sri Lanka] - US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu embarks on visit to Sri Lanka


[Sri Lanka] - Five Sri Lankans detained in Latvia for helping unlawful migrants


[Sri Lanka] - 15 Sri Lankan fishermen apprehended in Myanmar jails repatriated


[Sri Lanka] - US Ambassador nominee pledges to support marginalized populations, accountability, truth and reconciliation in Sri Lanka


Advisory issued over thundershowers and extreme lightning


Yukthiya- Over 111,000 suspects detained up until now in anti-drug operation


Certain parties unwilling to join dispute as they lack appropriate financial program - Sajith


Strong solar storm strikes Earth, could disrupt interactions


[Sri Lanka] - US highlight Sri Lanka s need for good governance and openness


[Sri Lanka] - Financial obligation owed by Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to China increase to record levels- Data


Decision to be reached on interest rates for elderly people savings


Heavy showers over 100mm expected in parts of the island


UN General Assembly backs Palestinian quote for subscription


[Sri Lanka] - President reveals plans to pass women-empowering expenses in Parliament by June


Male shot in Ahungalla succumbs to injuries


Sri Lanka Cricket increases player fees across all formats


Exams chief assures no paper leak reported in O'L examination


Warning provided over thundershowers and lightning in parts of the island


[Sri Lanka] - BASL expresses issue over extended hold-ups in judicial appointments


South Korea to create new ministry to take on plummeting birth rate


[Sri Lanka] - Fatal bus and tuk accident leaves one dead, 4 hurt


Heavy showers about 100 mm expected today


Two Italians arrested over attempt to smuggle endemic insects from Yala National Park


Bill to amend Telecom Regulatory Act to be presented in Parliament tomorrow


[Sri Lanka] - Mujibur Rahman s name gazetted as SJB MP


[Sri Lanka] - Sri Lanka team named for T20 World Cup 2024


Former NMRA chief remanded


Traveler apprehended with Gold Gel worth Rs. 40 million at BIA


SC begins hearing of petitions against proposed Electricity Bill


[Sri Lanka] - Six Sri Lankans sent by human traffickers to sign up with Russian military validated dead


43-year-old hacked to death over drug-related disagreement


[Sri Lanka] - PUCSL yet to receive CEB proposals to slash electrical power tariffs


Advisory issued for severe lightening- Heavy showers expected tomorrow


[Sri Lanka] - Not the right time to talk about retirement Chamari Athapaththu


[Sri Lanka] - Election Commission statement on Presidential Poll date


Abroad travel restriction imposed on Diana Gamage


Minister warns of foreign employment scams pretending to offer lucrative positions in Russian army


Health trade unions introduce 4-hour strike in hospitals at provincial level


Salary increments for govt employees can only be considered next year - President


Election Commission notified of uninhabited MP seat in Parliament


New circular released on leave approval for government employees





68