INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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,
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
This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Technology, the industry and with the support of the World Bank (WB)
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
In response, DigiGo will serve as a guiding resource, enabling SMEs to explore available digital platforms and fully embrace the advantages
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,
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
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
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
Indika De Zoysa, Chairman of FITIS, unveiled the ground-breaking DigiGo initiative, highlighting the myriad opportunities it offers through
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
20% to exports, as per the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
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.
