The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi

¶ 01 Why do we need digitalization? Let me cite the Auditor-General’s Report of 10 March 2022 regarding the Central Cultural Fund:

¶ 02 “4.1.10 The Board approved on 17 October 2017 recruitment of 2,271 Archaeological Assistants (workers) and 1,130 Watchers—total 3,401—for the Department of Archaeology. By 31 December 2018, 713 Assistants and 376 Watchers (total 1,089) were recruited; by 30 September 2019, 934 Assistants and 553 Watchers (total 1,487) were recruited for the Department. By February 2021, 1,415 were serving in the Department. Although there were no provisions to recruit for one government institution on behalf of another, the Fund paid salaries of Rs. 479,356,993 for 2018 and Rs. 581,773,108 by 31 December 2019 for these staff.”

¶ 03 This is the handiwork of those who earlier boasted about “security” and “workers.” Digitalization in the public service is to stop such manipulation and corruption.

¶ 04 Globally, there are examples. Barcelona is a smart city that uses digitalization to address urban challenges—climate change, energy, sustainable mobility—by leveraging data and going for digital transformation. They managed costs effectively, reduced expenditure, improved quality of life, and positioned themselves as a hub of technological innovation. We must do the same. People should not fear the naysayers. Thank you.