Nation targets fivefold growth in digital economy, placing artificial intelligence at the heart of strategy
Sri Lanka has unveiled a bold new strategy to grow its digital economy fivefold by 2030, with artificial intelligence (AI) positioned as the primary driver of this transformation. Speaking at the launch of the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) Report 2025 in Colombo, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, outlined an ambitious roadmap to raise the digital economy’s contribution from its current 3–5% of GDP to 15% within the next five years.
“Our approach is a whole-of-economy one,” said Dr. Wijayasuriya. “Digital tools, especially AI, are not just enablers but transformational forces. We aim to use them to accelerate economic growth, improve HDI rankings, and enhance inclusion and competitiveness.”
According to Dr. Wijayasuriya, increasing the share of the digital economy in GDP is critical to sustaining growth momentum. He emphasized that AI will sit at the “very epicentre” of national competitiveness and economic transformation, and those countries that adopt AI effectively and inclusively will gain a lasting advantage.
The digital strategy is structured around three tiers of development. The first involves building essential enablers like digital payments and ICT infrastructure. The second focuses on platforms such as e-commerce, and the third—described as the most transformative—involves the full integration of digital technologies across all sectors, from healthcare and education to agriculture and communications.
Dr. Wijayasuriya noted that Sri Lanka’s relatively strong HDI ranking and low regional inequality give it a solid base to implement these initiatives. However, he cautioned that without inclusive digital access and AI literacy, the digital divide could deepen. “Inclusion isn’t just about digital access. It’s about meaningful participation and ensuring all communities share in the benefits,” he stressed.
AI is embedded across every layer of the digital infrastructure blueprint. This includes core systems like digital public services, national data exchanges, and digital identity platforms. Tailored AI tools are also being developed for specific sectors to encourage innovation, increase productivity, and expand employment opportunities.
Importantly, the government is emphasizing governance and trust as cornerstones of this digital economy push. Safe and responsible AI, regulatory frameworks, and institutional oversight will guide how new technologies are adopted and used.
“Sri Lanka’s digital economy blueprint is not just a tech vision,” said Dr. Wijayasuriya. “It’s a national transformation agenda — powered by AI, grounded in trust, and committed to inclusive growth.”