The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Chair, through these initiatives we expect to generate the following outcomes:

¶ 02 - Strengthening the tech startup ecosystem and attracting investment. - Accelerating the use of fintech, increasing financial inclusion and building trust in digital payments. - Enabling citizens to pay government fines digitally via eGovPay, reducing queues and paperwork, and improving overall efficiency through a faster and secure method. - Promoting cashless/coinless transactions under the National Transport Payments Platform (NTPP), improving passenger convenience. We expect to modernize public transport payment systems and lay the foundation for a fully interoperable and digitally active transport network. - Demonstrating practical applications of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI), building public awareness and trust in Digital Credentials. - Improving AI readiness across public and private sectors. - Increasing citizen participation, efficiency and transparency in digital services. - Empowering youth, public servants and professionals with future-ready skills. - Enhancing trust in cybersecurity and digital services. - Encouraging all-inclusive participation in the digital economy, from citizens to SMEs.

¶ 03 The primary objective of Digital Month is to mobilize the public for digitalization. To promote inclusivity, the Ministry of the Digital Economy and its affiliated institutions will organize BOO sessions, forums, open demonstrations, awareness programmes, sandbox opportunities and live showcases on a common public platform.

¶ 04 These initiatives will be conducted in collaboration with schools, universities, youth organizations and SMEs to ensure the programme is not confined to the capital but reaches and benefits diverse communities across the island.

¶ 05 Practical outcomes for the general public include:

¶ 06 - Easier access to efficient paperless government services. - New learning and career opportunities in the digital sector. - Wider practical use of secure digital solutions. - Greater convenience in daily digital interactions with enhanced security and transparency.