SLASSCOM celebrates key appointments driving country’s digital transformation

Newly appointed ministers 

SLASSCOM, Sri Lanka’s national chamber for the knowledge and innovation sector, warmly congratulates the National People’s Power led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on securing a historical mandate and a majority in the parliamentary election whilst also extending best wishes to the newly appointed Cabinet and key government officials. 

SLASSCOM believes this leadership team marks a pivotal stride toward positioning Sri Lanka as a global hub for innovation and technology-driven economic growth.

We extend special congratulations to the following leaders, whose roles are crucialto the advancement of the knowledge and innovation sector:

• Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, also the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, who is poised to transform Sri Lanka’s education system. Her commitment to modernising education will ensure the development of a future-ready workforce.

• Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, whose background as a CEO of a SLASSCOM member company equips him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of the sector. His leadership will accelerate digital transformation and strengthen public-private collaboration.

• Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, whose leadership promises to invigorate Sri Lanka’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscape. His focus on sustainable growth will help drive innovation and strengthen the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, a data scientist and leader from the knowledge and innovation sector, whose expertise will invigorate entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem.

• Krishantha Silva Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, who will lead efforts to advance research, innovation, and technology adoption, establishing Sri Lanka as a center for technological excellence.

• Wasantha Samarasingha, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, whose focus on trade and economic resilience will create opportunities for synergies with the innovation and technology sectors.

Together with these ministers, the appointment of Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Advisor on the Digital Economy and Chairman of ICTA, mark a significant step toward advancing Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and innovation agenda.Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the EDB, and Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the BOI, further strengthen Sri Lanka’s ability to implement cohesive strategies across key government agencies. These experienced leaders are well-placed to drive initiatives that foster digital transformation, promote export growth, and attract foreign investment, ensuring a robust and resilient knowledge economy.

Nishan Mendis, Chairman of SLASSCOM said, “These appointments bring renewed hope and energy to Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem. We are confident that this leadership team, under the guidance of the President, will drive transformative policies and initiatives, enabling Sri Lanka to thrive in the global digital economy.”

Adding to this, Chamindā de Silva, Executive Director of SLASSCOM remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation sector. The leadership of these forward-thinking individuals provides a unique opportunity to align education, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship for the nation’s progress. SLASSCOM is committed to partnering with the government to shape policies, drive innovation, and empower our talent to compete on the global stage.”

SLASSCOM stands ready to collaborate with the government to build a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive knowledge economy, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for the nation.