The Hon. Amila Prasad

¶ 01 I planned to cover more, Hon. Presiding Member, but time is short.

¶ 02 On the digital economy, besides online businesses, many in Sri Lanka work as freelancers. With the advent of AI, some freelance roles—like logo design or certain creative tasks—are being displaced. There are perhaps 500,000 to 1 million youth bringing in foreign income via freelancing from within Sri Lanka. Some of their jobs will diminish as AI advances. We must reskill and upskill them and allocate funds for such training, so they can transition into new areas and remain in the market.

¶ 03 I also saw the proposal to require VAT-registered businesses to operate POS machines. That is good—it will improve efficiency in private retail, inventory visibility, and operations. But the Government must provide training in rural areas and possibly support acquisition costs, and build trust in the process.

¶ 04 Regarding ICTA, established in 2002 with good intentions and high salaries, I do not think it delivers the expected outcomes today. It seems to run its own agenda. I propose either reforming ICTA thoroughly or closing it and starting anew, under the President’s leadership.

¶ 05 I also noted a new tax on IT freelancers. This is not the right time. Many IT firms fall within the taxable bracket and are already struggling. Encourage them to come and invest here; the resulting broader growth will bring in more revenue and jobs than this tax. Please reconsider.

¶ 06 I saw that NPP’s policy statement includes a comprehensive digitalization policy. Through youth centres, begin a social discourse and elevate it to a national policy. As a political movement, turn your commitments into national policy.

¶ 07 In conclusion, progress in technology and science requires us to let go of certain cultural attachments and pay certain upfront costs. If the country is to develop and digitalize, the public service will inevitably be reduced. Thank you.