Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya appointed President’s chief advisor on digital economy

Colombo, November 01 (PMD) - Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya has been appointed as the Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) announced.

Dr. Wijayasuriya, a veteran in telecommunications and digital solutions, is expected to drive initiatives that will strengthen digital frameworks across various sectors, enhance connectivity, and support economic modernization. 

Meanwhile, Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or “the Group”) announced that Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director has been invited by the Government of Sri Lanka (“GoSL”) to lead the country’s digital economy agenda in the capacity of Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and other related leadership roles.

Dr Wijayasuriya has duly accepted the invitation from the GoSL and has communicated his decision to step down from his role at Axiata Group with effect from 15 January 2025. The Board of Directors of Axiata have accepted his decision to relinquish his position from the effective date. During the interim period Dr Wijayasuriya’s responsibilities to Axiata will continue, including the execution of a transition program while he makes himself available for GoSL’s digital transformation initiatives on an advisory and non-executive basis. Axiata will announce any further changes at the appropriate time.

Dr Wijayasuriya records a tenure of over 30 years with Axiata and its predecessor, Telekom Malaysia. A member of Axiata’s Board of Directors in the capacity of Group Executive Director, Dr Wijayasuriya heads the pan-region telecommunications operations of the Group spanning the markets of Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Dr Wijayasuriya also served on the Board of Directors of the GSMA, the governing body of the global mobile industry. An active contributor and champion of technology as well as developmental advancements in the mobile industry, Dr Wijayasuriya was honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2024, the highest recognition by GSMA, for his outstanding contributions to the global mobile industry.

The Axiata Group enjoys a long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka with its presence through Dialog Axiata, which since 1993 is the country’s leading converged connectivity provider. The Group has also invested in Sri Lanka’s software development sector through Axiata Digital Labs, the Group’s digital solutions arm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Commentaries:

Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata said “In his 30 years with the Group, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya has been a pivotal force in shaping the company’s strategic direction. He has also played an integral role in nurturing a deep reservoir of talent within the organisation. The Axiata Board congratulates Dr Hans Wijayasuriya on his appointment and is confident that his visionary leadership will contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital future.”

Vivek Sood, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Axiata said, “It is a great honour and source of pride for Axiata that one of our senior leaders has been selected to join the government of Sri Lanka in a highly influential role, contributing to the transformation of the country's digital economy. His extensive expertise in telecommunications, technology transformation, and digitisation will bring tremendous value to Sri Lanka. Dr Wijayasuriya’s appointment reflects the depth of Axiata’s commitment to nurturing exceptional leaders who drive change both within our industry and beyond.”

“We would like to express our deep gratitude to Hans for his remarkable contributions to Axiata. He has been instrumental in advancing our Telco-TechCo agenda and strengthening our portfolio with the aim of delivering long-term value to our shareholders. Hans and I will work closely ensuring the transition is well managed.”

Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, CEO of Telecommunications Business & Group Executive Director of Axiata said, “It has been an honour and privilege to be part of Axiata’s journey over the past decades. Led by our Chairman and Board, Group CEO and operating company CEOs, the Axiata family has and will continue to forge new frontiers in the digital, telco and infrastructure space, centred on the Group’s thought leadership in Telco-TechCo transformation. I am honoured by the invitation extended to me by the Government of Sri Lanka, and I stand privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to my country. As I embark on this new chapter, I am deeply aware that every learning I possess, I owe to leadership and colleagues, past and present, from across the Axiata Group. To them, I will always be grateful.”