Op-Ed: Charting Sri Lanka’s Digital Future Through Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure

By Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka 

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is emerging as a transformative force for economies worldwide. As Sri Lanka spearheads its digital transformation journey, the recently concluded Sri Lanka DPI Summit 2025, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy, with partners like UNDP and ADB, marks a significant milestone, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to inclusive digital development. DPI offers the foundation for an efficient and transparent digital economy—yet its implementation must be carefully navigated to ensure inclusivity, security, and long-term sustainability.

Why DPI Matters

DPI consists of core digital systems—such as digital identity, payments, and data exchange platforms—that serve as the backbone of modern economies. Countries like India and Estonia have demonstrated how well-designed DPI can foster innovation, enhance governance, and expand economic participation. For Sri Lanka, which is rebuilding from recent socio-economic challenges, DPI presents an opportunity to drive financial inclusion, improve public service delivery, and unlock new economic pathways.

Digital is no longer a luxury; it is a critical enabler of growth, governance, and social progress. DPI streamlines government services, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and making essential services—from healthcare to education—more accessible. Beyond governance, DPI fuels economic dynamism by providing a level playing field for businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Entrepreneurs can more easily formalize their businesses, access credit, and reach new markets.　This is particularly attractive as Sri Lankan economies struggles to expand women's participation. Moreover, digital ecosystems enhance transparency, curbing corruption through real-time monitoring and secure transactions.

However, these benefits come with risks. Poorly designed DPI can widen the digital divide between the rich and poor, urban and rural, and men and women, leaving marginalized communities without access. Centralized systems raise concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity, making them potential targets for cyberattacks and surveillance. Without strong regulatory safeguards, DPI could become a tool for exclusion rather than empowerment.

The Need for Safeguards and Inclusive Governance

Safeguards must be embedded from the outset to ensure DPI remains a force for equity and trust. Privacy-by-design principles should be non-negotiable, incorporating encryption, anonymization, and robust data governance policies. Cybersecurity must be prioritized, with stringent security standards and continuous audits to counter cyber threats. Furthermore, DPI governance must be inclusive—ensuring that civil society, regulators, and the private sector collaboratively establish frameworks that uphold digital rights and fair competition.

Sri Lanka must also focus on strengthening last-mile connectivity to ensure DPI benefits every citizen, from urban centers to remote villages. Consider the transformative impact of digital payment platforms that have empowered small businesses or digital identity systems that streamline access to healthcare and social protection. These systems must be accessible, inclusive, and designed with local needs in mind.

Accelerating DPI Adoption in Sri Lanka

The path forward requires decisive action. Governments must take the lead in establishing clear policy and regulatory frameworks that provide direction and certainty for DPI development. Public-private partnerships can mobilize investments and expertise to ensure DPI remains both innovative and scalable. Digital literacy and capacity-building initiatives are equally crucial to empowering citizens to navigate and benefit from digital systems.

Interoperability should be a guiding principle, allowing DPI to align with global standards and facilitate cross-border digital integration. Sustainable financing models—combining public funds, donor support, and private-sector investment—will be essential, particularly for lower-income communities.

A People-Centric Digital Future

At the heart of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation are its people. DPI is not just about infrastructure; it is about ensuring that every citizen can participate meaningfully in the digital economy. The true value of DPI lies in its ability to empower individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. Investments in digital literacy, innovation, and capacity building must be prioritized, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Sri Lanka’s digital journey is anchored in national priorities and a commitment to sustainability. The Sri Lanka DPI Summit was more than an event—it was a declaration of ambition. As we move forward, collaboration between the government, international partners like UNDP, the private sector, and civil society will be critical. By working together, we can build a digital future that is inclusive, resilient, and transformative for all Sri Lankans.