A compelling vision for Sri Lanka’s digital future was unveiled at the Asian Development Bank’s Serendipity Knowledge Programme (SKOP) held at the Shangri-La, Colombo, on Tuesday, where policymakers, experts and partners reflected on the nation’s digital transformation and the growing importance of cybersecurity and data protection.
The event carried an emotional undertone as Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, delivered his final SKOP address before concluding his tenure. Reflecting on the discussions, Kadono described the forum as an “eye-opener”, noting that cybersecurity challenges are “not merely technological, but fundamental threats to development and progress.”
He cited global lessons, including Japan’s ransomware attacks that halted Asahi’s beer production and disrupted operations at the Port of Nagoya, as well as Malaysia’s experience in shaping robust data privacy frameworks.
Kadono reaffirmed that ADB’s commitment to Sri Lanka “goes beyond financing infrastructure”—extending to investments in institutions, people, and regulatory systems. He stressed that the bank’s goal is to ensure the digital transformation remains inclusive, bridging the digital divide and benefiting all citizens and businesses.
Digital Transformation as a National Pillar
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, outlined the national digital blueprint, describing digital transformation as one of three core pillars of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s economic strategy to rejuvenate the country.
He said the goal is to increase the digital economy’s share from 3–4% to over 12% of GDP within four years and to triple digital exports from $1.8 billion to over $5 billion.
For this to happen, Dr. Wijayasuriya called for the “pervasiveness of the digital” across all sectors — from agriculture and tourism to industry, services, and education. Central to this effort is data — described as the “raw material” of transformation — and artificial intelligence, the tool that will power the next phase of national growth.
Trust as Sri Lanka’s New Competitive Edge
Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasised that data protection and cybersecurity form the “trusted foundation” upon which Sri Lanka’s digital ambitions must rest.
Using a striking metaphor, he said, “I can stand here freely without fear because this stage is stable. That’s the kind of resilience and trust we need in our data protection and cybersecurity frameworks.”
He argued that trust is the new competitive advantage, surpassing low-cost competition. “Sri Lanka’s new calling card to the world should be agile innovation backed by a world-class privacy and trust framework,” he said, noting that this could give the country a unique edge in the region, powered by its exceptional digital talent.
A Vision of ‘Serendib of Trust’
Closing his remarks, Dr. Wijayasuriya envisioned a digitally confident Sri Lanka known globally for trust, governance, and security. “The country will then be known as Serendib of trust, governance and security in the digital world,” he said, echoing the optimism that defined the day’s discussions.
The ADB’s Serendipity Knowledge Programme continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners—laying the foundation for Sri Lanka’s transition into a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital economy.
