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Govt. will work towards a “digitally inclusive Sri Lanka”: Namal

27 Aug 2021

Under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a key priority of the Government is to work toward a “digitally inclusive Sri Lanka”, Minister Namal Rajapaksa stated. The Minister made these statements at his opening address during a webinar on “Digital Inclusion and Transformation in South Asia” Organized by ORF India in collaboration with Colombo Initiative and the Sappani Foundation.  Accordingly, it was mentioned that when this vision is taken forward, the convenience of citizens would be the foremost consideration in setting up a Citizen Centric Digital Government. “We will ensure that we put in place a process where people would not have to be inconvenienced due to inefficiency, delays, and having to commute to many points of service delivery to obtain public services, when such services could be obtained via the internet,” the Minister said. In addition, the Government’s progress in implementing digital access to vital documents such as birth and death certificates and digital identification cards was also highlighted. “The process of establishing a centralized Digital ID has already begun and we hope to begin work by the end of the year along with an E-Gramasevaka service which will allow the public access to essential public services from home,” he stated. Minister Rajapaksa also stressed the importance of companies and countries alike increasing their investments in digital platforms and online trading. “We hope to simplify the processes for E-businesses and we are looking at attracting more investment in the E-Commerce space. We are also actively pursuing Block-Chain technology which would facilitate digital currencies and a larger digital economy,” he said. With reference to many talented youth and an already vibrant community of gamers and developers alike, it was highlighted that the Government is looking at promoting Esports and Gaming. “Globally, Esports remains a 100 Billion dollar industry with infinite potential. We should encourage our youth to explore these avenues to create a livelihood for themselves but also create new industries. While youth are stuck indoors, the digital space provides them with an escape to not only express their creativity but also monetize it,” the Minister said.


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