A groundbreaking event was held at the Galle Fort recently in a bid to introduce technology to empower SMEs to reach the next level.
SMEs make up a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing 52% to GDP, with over 75% of businesses categorised as SMEs and this sector also employs 45% of the workforce and accounts for 20% of exports.
The government recognises the pivotal role of SMEs in its ‘Digital Economy Strategy 2030’ and aims to bolster the economy through this sector and The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) as a leading organisation is promoting this initiative.
“Serving as the unified voice of the IT industry in Sri Lanka, FITIS is the pioneering force in the Information and Communication Technology sector in the country which has been spearheading Sri Lanka’s digital transformation,” Indika De Soysa from FITIS.
“DigiGo”, organised by FITIS, plays a crucial role in empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Sri Lanka with the digital tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age.
“The DigiGo platform will showcase countless opportunities that digital technologies offer. From leveraging data analytics to exploring e-commerce, DigiGo will open doors to new horizons for SMEs.”
“We have a mission to empower over 1 million SMEs in Sri Lanka, FITIS is committed to bridging the technology-business gap and propelling the nation toward a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030.”
Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana spoke of the digital economy’s pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s growth story, emphasising the need for SMEs to seize the opportunities presented by digital transformation. State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath underscored the importance of digital literacy and encouraged SMEs to embrace the digital age with open arms.
The event, hosted at Hall de Galle, drew participants from across the nation and featured a diverse array of influential speakers, educators, and industry leaders, all driven by a shared vision: to empower SMEs with the digital tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.
Prof. Gihan Dias from LK Domain Registry illuminated the audience on the ‘Benefits of Digitalization’ while experts from prominent organisations like HNB, PickMe, Blue Lotus 360, and Fintech Digital provided insights on vital aspects of digital transformation.
Several organisations, including LK Domain Registry, Pick Me, WEBXPAY, Blue Lotus 360, iPay, FinTech Digital (AnybanQ.lk), Orel IT, HNB, and ESOFT, extended their support to this landmark initiative.
