The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a $50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, aiming to modernize government services, enhance accessibility, and make public services more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses. The initiative will promote innovation and investment in the country’s digital sector while strengthening the foundations for inclusive growth.
The Sri Lanka Digital Transformation Project will implement practical, people-centric digital solutions, including an integrated online citizen service portal, a secure system for inter-agency data sharing to boost efficiency and transparency, a digital locker for storing documents, and a scalable government cloud platform. Complementary training programs will equip both citizens and public servants to use these new digital services confidently, ensuring broad adoption and effective utilization.
Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, highlighted that digital transformation drives inclusive growth and improved services. By investing in core digital platforms and skills, the project is expected to enhance service delivery for people and businesses and create opportunities for private sector-led innovation.
The project will also strengthen Sri Lanka’s technology and startup ecosystem through a digital startup accelerator, fostering innovation and encouraging female entrepreneurship. Mid-sized technology firms will receive support to expand their reach to customers and investors in international markets. These efforts are expected to attract around $10 million in private investment, generating jobs and increasing IT export earnings.
Anna Metz, World Bank Senior Digital Specialist, emphasized the synergy between digital government and a competitive IT sector, noting that as public services go digital, demand for local technology solutions rises, while a stronger IT sector enhances the country’s ability to develop and maintain modern digital systems. The project builds on prior work by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which has supported Sri Lanka’s startup and innovation ecosystem through investment and advisory services.
Additionally, the project will enhance Sri Lanka’s preparedness and response to emergencies, including cyclones and climate-related disasters. Robust digital systems will enable data-driven decision-making, real-time information sharing across agencies, and improved coordination of emergency services. Digital service delivery will ensure continuity of essential government services during crises and facilitate rapid identification of affected communities, efficient information dissemination, and electronic assistance delivery.
The project will be implemented by GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited in close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy. Aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development goals and the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to leveraging digital technologies to improve public services, strengthen governance, and build an inclusive digital future for the country.
