Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that the nation has reached a point where confidence in economic stability can be assured, citing agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and ongoing discussions with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), China, and private creditors.

He was speaking at the Digital Public Infrastructure Session on Enable | Empower | Enrich organized by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, in Colombo.

The President emphasized the necessity of transitioning from an import-dependent economy to one that is export-oriented and highly competitive, with a strong focus on digital and green sectors.

He outlined plans to present legislation to Parliament aimed at kickstarting this economic transformation.

Wickremesinghe underscored the pivotal role of digital infrastructure in driving Sri Lanka's economy forward, particularly in sectors such as agriculture modernization.

He highlighted the importance of aligning the education system to meet the demands of a digital economy, announcing ambitious plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) into schools over the next five years and integrate it into higher education institutions thereafter.

Recognizing India's advancements in digital infrastructure, Wickremesinghe expressed his intention to leverage India's experiences to expedite Sri Lanka's development, aiming to replicate successful strategies and thereby accelerate progress by several years.

The President stressed the urgency of embracing digital transformation, likening the importance of digital infrastructure today to the hydraulic infrastructure of the Anuradhapura period.

He emphasized that building a robust digital public infrastructure is crucial for Sri Lanka's journey towards a thriving digital economy in the 21st century.