The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, aimed at modernising government services, boosting innovation, and strengthening the country’s digital economy.
In a statement, the World Bank Group said the project will promote investment in Sri Lanka’s digital sector while making public services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses.
The Sri Lanka Digital Transformation Project will support practical, people-centric digital solutions, including an integrated online citizen services portal, a secure data-sharing system across government agencies to improve efficiency and transparency, a digital locker for storing official documents, and a scalable government cloud platform to meet growing demand.
These investments in digital public infrastructure will be complemented by training programmes to help both citizens and public servants confidently adopt and use the new digital services.
“Digital transformation is a powerful driver of inclusive growth and better services,” said Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives. “By investing in core digital platforms and skills, this project will improve service delivery for people and businesses while creating new opportunities for private sector-led innovation.”
Beyond improving public services, the project will also strengthen Sri Lanka’s technology and start-up ecosystem. A dedicated digital start-up accelerator will foster innovation, strengthen local start-ups, and encourage female entrepreneurship.
Mid-sized technology firms will benefit from targeted programmes designed to help them access international markets and attract global investors. These initiatives are expected to generate around US$10 million in private investment over time, supporting job creation and increasing IT export earnings.
“Better digital government and a stronger IT sector go hand in hand,” said Anna Metz, World Bank Senior Digital Specialist and Task Team Leader. “As public services go digital, demand for local technology solutions grows, while a competitive IT sector enhances Sri Lanka’s capacity to build and maintain modern digital systems.”
The project builds on ongoing work by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector arm, which has supported Sri Lanka’s start-up and innovation ecosystem through investments and advisory services.
In addition, the project will enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. With climate-related disasters such as cyclones becoming more frequent, robust digital systems will enable real-time data sharing, better coordination among government agencies, and data-driven decision-making during crises. Digital service delivery will also ensure continuity of essential services and allow authorities to quickly identify affected communities and deliver assistance electronically.
The project will be implemented by GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy.
Aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities and the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to leveraging digital technologies to improve public services, strengthen governance, and build an inclusive digital future for Sri Lanka.
