World Bank approves $50 million project to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation

The World Bank Group has approved a $50 million financing package to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, following a decision by the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on 19 December 2025. The project is designed to improve the delivery of government services, promote innovation in the digital sector, and support growth in the country’s digital economy.

The Sri Lanka Digital Transformation Project will invest in a range of digital public infrastructure initiatives. These include the development of an integrated online portal for accessing government services, a secure system for data sharing across public agencies, a digital locker for storing official documents, and a scalable government cloud platform. According to the World Bank, these systems aim to make public services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to citizens and businesses.

The project also includes capacity-building measures to support the use of new digital services. Training programmes are planned for both citizens and public servants, with the aim of improving digital skills and increasing confidence in using online government platforms.

Beyond public service delivery, the project seeks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s technology and start-up ecosystem. Planned measures include the establishment of a digital start-up accelerator, targeted support for mid-sized technology firms seeking access to international markets, and initiatives to encourage female entrepreneurship. The World Bank estimates that these efforts could attract approximately $10 million in private investment over time, contributing to job creation and growth in IT exports.

The initiative builds on previous work by the International Finance Corporation, which has supported Sri Lanka’s innovation and start-up ecosystem through investment and advisory services. It also includes a focus on improving preparedness for climate-related disasters, by enabling better data sharing, real-time coordination across government agencies, and continuity of essential services during emergencies.

Implementation of the project will be led by GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Limited, working in close cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Economy. The project is aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities and the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework, reflecting a shared focus on improving public sector efficiency and supporting inclusive digital development.