Business

Question of ‘data privacy’ looms large in govt’s DPI strategy

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/10

BIMSTEC Digital Conclave 2025. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy- second from left and High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha - fifth from left

Hans Wijayasuriya tries to get the elephant out of the room

By Sanath Nanayakkare

As the government of Sri Lanka accelerates its digital public infrastructure (DPI) strategy, the question of data privacy looms large.

The Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr.Hans Wijayasuriya, stepped in to address this critical issue head-on, in a recent keynote at the BIMSTEC Digital Conclave 2025 held at Taj Samudra, Colombo on February 7-8.

Wijayasuriya emphasized the need for robust data protection frameworks to ensure public trust in digital initiatives as the collection and use of personal data may raise significant ethical and legal questions in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Wijayasuriya advocated for a balanced approach, combining innovation with stringent privacy safeguards, at a time the public in Sri Lanka is split down the middle on the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and rolling out bio-metric digital ID to provide many key government services online, with the support of tech companies in foreign countries.

Furthermore, the Public Digital Conferences being held in Colombo these days with the participation of foreign players are likely to result in policy action and implementation on the ground at any point in time.

In these circumstances, his insights served as a timely reminder that data privacy is not just a technical challenge, but a cornerstone of sustainable digital transformation.

Taking a question from the moderator at the Conclave whether DPI would compromise the security interests of the Sovereign he said,” I think the question of Sovereignty’s security comes second because fundamental security and control assemblies come first. And this can be subject to proportionate assessment of risk and granular data in use. Different types of data need different treatments in terms of risk mitigation. So, what we strive for is ‘risk proportional safeguards’ plus federated digital platforms with a focus on privacy and data control by not centralizing user information on one single platform. We should have a very well-architectured system to ensure internal and sovereignty-related security in the transferring of data. Sri Lanka has a Data Protection Act in force. Sri Lanka also has a Data Protection Authority in place.This means there is a strong legal framework as well as an institutional framework to implement the mechanisms for data protection. Looking at the cross-border scenario, sovereignty interests are critical, and therefore, we will adhere to the principles based on the categorization of data. Let me add another point about Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). When an additional API is opened to enable seamless integration and automation between different staking platforms and applications, the demand for security escalates. That is the nature of this exercise. If we are to benefit from open architecture systems, we need to consider these issues and build robust systems to mitigate the risks,” he explained.

“There are many layers which lend themselves to integration and the extension of horizontal layers. We should look at multiple dimensions for citizen-centric services without compromising on national security. Also, we will look at businesses in a cross-border angle and in an inclusion angle, where business to business (B2B) interfaces can especially boost trade volumes and transactions in the region,” he said.

High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha speaking at the Conclave said,” “India has over the past decade or so undergone a digital transformation at an unprecedented pace and scale, with unparalleled benefits to all sections of the society. At a time when mobile and data access were seen globally as a convenience, India adopted a model that envisioned digitization not only as a means of connectivity – but as a medium of equity and opportunity. And that to me is the essence of Digital Public Infrastructure.”

Responding to a question from The Island Financial Review as to which foreign companies in which countries would get the contract awards, Eranga Weerarathna, Dep. Minister of Digital Economy replied,” We will explore working with local tech companies. We will also need to outsource foreign collaboration in this exercise to leapfrog in DPI. Wherever we see value, we will work with foreign companies while ensuring the protection of very sensitive data.”

During the networking time, a local ICT expert was overheard saying, ‘The elephant is out of the room, and policymakers need to address it.'”

On Feb. 5, key officials of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank took part in the Sri Lanka Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Summit held in Colombo where they pledged support to Sri Lanka to become a digital economy powerhouse in the region. The Ministry of Digital Economy had put together that two-day summit in partnership with the UNDP in Sri Lanka, the ADB and key collaborators including Huawei.

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Business

Major investment push in Sri Lanka’s solar economy

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ashish Khanna

Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector is poised for a significant investment surge as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) moves to operationalise a comprehensive Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), positioning the island as a key emerging hub for solar deployment and green financing in South Asia.

A high-level ISA delegation led by Director General Ashish Khanna is currently in Colombo (April 6–9), engaging with policymakers, multilateral lenders, and private sector stakeholders to fast-track a pipeline of solar projects exceeding 4 gigawatts (GW) under the Renewable Energy Project Development Plan (2025–2030).

From Policy to Projects: Unlocking Capital Flows

At the heart of the mission is a decisive shift from policy frameworks to bankable project execution. The CPS outlines a multi-year roadmap aimed at mobilising private capital, strengthening regulatory systems, and accelerating project approvals—long seen as a bottleneck in Sri Lanka’s energy sector.

Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody emphasised that the strategy provides “clarity across the solar value chain,” particularly in investment mobilisation and regulatory alignment. For investors, this signals reduced risk and improved predictability—two critical factors for scaling infrastructure financing.

Industry analysts note that Sri Lanka’s solar ambitions could unlock billions of dollars in investments over the next decade, especially as global funds pivot toward climate-aligned assets in emerging markets.

A key commercial opportunity emerging from the ISA mission is the focus on floating solar projects and battery energy storage systems (BESS). These segments are expected to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology partnerships.

Floating solar, in particular, offers Sri Lanka a competitive advantage due to its extensive reservoir network. Coupled with battery storage integration, it enhances grid stability—an essential requirement as renewable penetration increases.

The mission includes a dedicated Floating Solar Workshop aimed at accelerating project readiness, indicating near-term opportunities for engineering firms, developers, and financiers.

University-Industry Linkages to Drive Green Jobs

A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at the University of Moratuwa is expected to strengthen local technical capacity and innovation.

Beyond academia, the initiative is designed to support testing, certification, and workforce development—critical for creating a domestic solar ecosystem. This move aligns with broader efforts to localise value chains and reduce dependence on imported expertise.

Khanna highlighted that the STAR-C would play a pivotal role in job creation and skills development, reinforcing the economic multiplier effect of renewable energy investments.

Sri Lanka’s push toward solar is also driven by macroeconomic imperatives. With global fossil fuel prices remaining volatile, the country’s heavy reliance on imports has strained public finances.

Solar energy, which has already surpassed 1 GW in installed capacity, is expected to contribute nearly 75% of emissions reductions under Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) for 2026–2035.

More importantly, it offers a pathway to reduce foreign exchange outflows and enhance energy security—key priorities as the country navigates post-crisis economic recovery.

Business

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

DevPro Guarantee Limited (DevPro) and Affno Virtual Market (Pvt) Limited (AVM) recently entered into a partnership to launch a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) digital marketplace platform “Green Tape Agri Exchange’ to uplift smallholder farmers/ producers in the spice value chain by connecting them with end buyers.

Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, managing nearly 80% of the nation’s farmland and producing about 80% of nation’s food production. They are essential to food security, rural employment, and economic stability. However, poverty among smallholder farmers is a persistent rural crisis. Recent studies have highlighted the depth of this issue with approximately 82% of the country’s poor being concentrated in rural areas where agriculture remains the primary livelihood.

Due to inefficient marketing systems – poor market access, inadequate storage facilities and a lack of information on market prices – smallholder farmers often receive less than the optimal market prices which considerably limit their ability to expand operations, improve productivity and achieve scale.

Speaking on the partnership, DevPro’s Executive Director Chamindry Saparamadu said ‘as an organization committed to building a sustainable agriculture sector, we are pleased to collaborate with AVM to explore means to address market barriers through digital innovation. Our ultimate objective is to empower smallholder farmers and strengthen the local economy by creating a transparent and sustainable supply chain’. The CEO/ Managing Director of AVM Suren Kannangara said ‘we are excited to partner with DevPro to digitally transform the agricultural value chain. Green Tape Agri Exchange represents a scalable, data-driven model to digitize fragmented markets, improving price discovery, reducing intermediaries, and creating predictable, quality-driven market access for both farmers and buyers.

Business

Nestlé brands NESCAFÉ and MAGGI triumph at SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026 for fifth consecutive year

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nestlé’s household favourites continued their winning streak at the SLIMKANTAR People’s Awards 2026, taking home two awards this year. NESCAFÉ was voted People’s Hot Beverage Brand of the Year while MAGGI emerged as the joint-winner for People’s Snack Brand of the Year respectively for the fifth consecutive year. Organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards is widely considered as one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the country, rewarding brands and personalities that are closest to the hearts of Sri Lankans.

Loved by Sri Lankans for its distinct aroma and rich taste, NESCAFÉ is made with the goodness of 100% pure coffee beans to create great coffee experiences that make life better. Made using Sri Lankan spices and the finest ingredients, the tasty goodness of MAGGI noodles has been a household favourite by Sri Lankans for over 40 years.

Sharing his thoughts, Bernie Stefan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka said “The People’s Awards hold special meaning for us as they are shaped entirely by consumer choice. Being recognised for the fifth consecutive year for NESCAFÉ as Hot Beverage Brand of the Year and MAGGI as Snack Brand of the Year reflects the enduring trust Sri Lankan consumers place in our brands – trust that has been built over generations during our 120‑year journey in Sri Lanka. This recognition belongs to our teams, whose commitment to quality and understanding local tastes continues to earn the confidence of consumers. We are grateful for this continued support and remain focused on serving Sri Lankan households with tasty and nutritious products”.

Guided by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé Lanka has been enriching Sri Lankan lives for 120 years, nourishing generations with tasty, and nutritious products across the country. The company remains committed to supporting healthier families, empowered communities, and a greener planet. Nestlé Lanka manufactures over 90% of its products locally at its state‑of‑the‑art factory in Kurunegala, upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.