Sri Lanka’s total exports surpassed USD 9 billion during the first half of 2026, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has stated, highlighting positive signs in the country’s economic performance.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in connection with the 26th Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit (SLEIS) 2026, held on October 12 and 13.
According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, PM Amarasuriya participated in the summit on Tuesday (13), addressing a session titled “Nation Building in the Digital Age.”
During her address, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s ambition to expand Sri Lanka’s digital economy to USD 15 billion by 2030, increase digital exports to USD 5 billion and develop a workforce of 200,000 digital professionals.
She said the government was committed to transforming Sri Lanka from a consumer of technology into a creator of innovation.
The Prime Minister further revealed that approximately Rs. 30 billion had been committed towards foundational digital transformation initiatives through the Ministry of Digital Economy.
Highlighting progress in digital public services, she said the GovPay platform had processed over Rs. 6 billion in payments, with more than 300 organisations connected to the system.
PM Amarasuriya also highlighted the potential of digital technologies to improve healthcare, agriculture, energy and transport services, while stressing the importance of ensuring equal access to digital opportunities.
Meanwhile, she revealed that a five-year plan had been developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy to improve digital readiness across Sri Lanka’s education system.
The Prime Minister also called for stronger cooperation between the government, private sector and educational institutions to expand vocational training and prepare the workforce for emerging employment opportunities.
She emphasised that the integration of artificial intelligence into education must be carefully managed to avoid widening existing inequalities and negatively affecting students’ critical thinking and cognitive development.
The summit brought together policymakers, investors, business leaders and other stakeholders to discuss Sri Lanka’s economic prospects and investment opportunities. (Newswire)