Aligning with Sri Lanka’s vision to become a digitally empowered economy by 2030, an Investor Forum for ‘Digital Economy Growth of Sri Lanka’ was held on 6 October 2025, at Pullman Melbourne On The Park. Over 70 participants including Victorian government officials, industry stakeholders, regulators, academics and potential investors joined the event.
The Investor Forum was organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne and hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia (DFAT), to welcome the Sri Lankan delegation participating in the Canberra Fellowship Program (CFP) on “Digital Transformation for Resilience and Prosperity.” The delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, and comprised Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, along with senior government officials and industry leaders.
Addressing the Forum, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, articulated the strategic vision underpinning Sri Lanka’s digital transformation initiative, which aims to accelerate the nation’s progress toward a $15 billion digital economy by 2030. He underscored the imperative of inclusive access to digital opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of geographic location. “By empowering people through digital literacy and essential resources, we are enabling them to innovate and power the economic growth of our country,” he stated.
Consul General of Sri Lanka, Pradeepa Saram, delivering the opening remarks, underscored the depth of bilateral ties, people-to-people connectivity, and long-standing trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and Victoria. She noted that Victoria hosts the largest Sri Lankan diaspora outside Sri Lanka and a vibrant business community.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya outlined Sri Lanka’s digitalisation goals. He stated that plans are in place to achieve a fivefold expansion of the digital economy, reaching US$ 15 billion within the next five years. To realize these targets, he emphasized the importance of establishing a robust institutional framework, anchored by a strong apex organization and supported by effective execution entities.
Director, Digital Economy & Innovation Policy at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions of Global Victoria, Ashling James stated that Victoria is home to one of Australia’s leading digital technology sectors. She noted that the state’s digital economy policy is focused on fostering a thriving digital ecosystem by enhancing government services, building a digitally capable public sector, and promoting digital inclusion. She further emphasized that Sri Lanka remains one of Victoria’s close economic partners in the region.
Managing Director of Dijital Teams, Brisbane, Peter Ward shared his company’s success story of investing in Sri Lanka, expressing confidence in the country’s investment potential. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s strengths in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, and encouraged foreign investors to consider Sri Lanka as their next investment destination.
The panel discussion on “Investing in Asia’s Next Digital Frontier,” featuring Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne; Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya; Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering & IT, University of Melbourne, Prof. Shanika Karunasekara and Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies, Shehani Seneviratne centered on the adoption of a comprehensive digital economy strategy. The discussion emphasized how such a strategy can serve as a powerful catalyst for positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for digital innovation,
The Investor Forum for Digital Economy Growth of Sri Lanka is a strategic initiative aimed at positioning the country as a premier destination for digital innovation and high-value services. It seeks to leverage Sri Lanka’s rich talent pool, dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, and rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka,
Melbourne
08 October 2025
