President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Sri Lanka into a competitive force in the innovation sector, emphasizing that digitalization will play a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Addressing The Innovation Island Summit – 2025 at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo yesterday (20), President Dissanayake highlighted the necessity of a major transformation in the innovation sector to propel the country forward. He stated that hosting this prestigious summit in Sri Lanka reflects the nation’s growing interest and expectations in fostering new entrepreneurship through innovation.
The President underscored that human civilization has evolved through various stages, with each new chapter being driven by innovation. He stressed that while human needs remain unchanged, the methods of fulfilling them continue to evolve.
He further explained that new technologies are instrumental in meeting emerging needs, leading to the creation of new markets. He pointed out that global success is largely attributed to identifying and adapting to these changing models, citing neighboring India as a prime example of such progress.
President Dissanayake expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential for innovation and reaffirmed his commitment to steering the country toward a digitalized future by 2030. He emphasized that innovation has been prioritized in this year’s budget and urged that new discoveries be effectively commercialized.
He also revealed that the government anticipates an export revenue of $19 billion this year, stressing that a significant transformation in the innovation sector is essential to achieving this target. The President reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to create an environment where the benefits of innovation reach the entire population, noting that many of the administration’s aspirations are closely linked to technological advancement.
Acknowledging the challenges Sri Lanka faces in the global economic landscape, President Dissanayake highlighted the urgency of embracing digitalization and innovation. He extended an open invitation to international partners and investors, encouraging them to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka and contribute to its growing innovation ecosystem.
Concluding his address, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that a conducive environment for innovation and business has already been established in the country, paving the way for a dynamic and technology-driven future.
