President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined a series of measures aimed at accelerating Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, including plans to make around 80% of government services accessible from home through mobile phones.
Addressing a public meeting in Bulathsinhala, the President said Rs. 30 billion would be allocated in next year’s Budget for digitalisation, while the government also plans to expand nationwide 4G coverage.
Here are seven key updates announced by the President:
1. Rs. 30 billion for digitalisation
The government will allocate Rs. 30 billion in next year’s Budget specifically for the country’s digitalisation programme.
2. 80% of government services accessible from home
The President said the digitalisation drive would enable citizens to access around 80% of government services from home using their mobile phones, significantly reducing the need to physically visit government offices.
3. Birth and death certificates online
Under the planned system, services relating to birth and death certificates will be available digitally, allowing people to carry out the relevant transactions from home.
4. Land deed services to go digital
Transactions involving land deeds are also among the government services the President said would become digitally accessible from home.
5. Revenue licence services online
Vehicle revenue licence-related transactions are also expected to be available digitally as part of the wider transformation of government services.
6. 1,000 new 4G towers
The government plans to construct 1,000 new 4G towers over the next three years, with the aim of completing 4G signal coverage throughout Sri Lanka.
7. 250 towers to be completed next year
Of the planned 1,000 towers, 250 are expected to be completed next year, marking the first major phase of the nationwide connectivity expansion.
The President presented the digitalisation programme as part of a broader series of infrastructure and development initiatives planned by the government, which also include new expressways, railway electrification and other major public investments. (Newswire)