Sri Lanka's journey towards digital government transformation took a momentous leap forward with the National Capacity Building Workshop held on the 7th and 8th of June 2023 at the ICTA Auditorium. This pioneering event, jointly organized by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Sri Lanka, ushered in a new era of governance driven by digital innovation.

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, where digital solutions have become integral to economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, Sri Lanka's government and its esteemed partners embarked on a collaborative endeavor to shape a digitally empowered future for the nation.

The workshop began with a series of engaging sessions that provided a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Effective Governance for Sustainable Development, trends in Digital Government Transformation and integrated capability development. A selected group of 57 senior government officials engaged in digital government transformation from various ministries and other government organizations immersed themselves in focused discussions, exploring emerging challenges and identifying strategies to address them.

Renowned resource persons and moderators, distinguished for their expertise in digital government and sustainable development, guided participants on an enlightening journey. They delved into the intricacies of digital government transformation, identified best practices, and unraveled the path to success.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀:

• Ms. Cristina Alicia Rodriguez Acosta - Inter-Regional Advisor on Innovation and Digital Government, DPIDG, UN-DESA
• Mr. Christian Skoog - UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Sri Lanka
• Sr. Prof. Niranjan D. Gunawardena - Secretary, Ministry of Technology; Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa
• Mr. Kyu Chang Ko - Head of UNPOG, DPIDG, UN-DESA
• Mr. Mahesh Perera - Chief Executive Officer, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka
• Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu - Director General, Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka
• Mr. Thushara Suraweera - Additional Secretary (ICT & Digitization), Presidential Secretariat
• Ms. Deepa Liyanage - Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister's Office
• Mr. Vincenzo Aquaro - Chief, Digital Government Branch, DPIDG, UN DESA
• Mr. Je Myung Ryu - Presidential Committee on Digital Platform Government, Republic of Korea
• Ms. Karen Kee - Deputy Director, International and Community Development Lead, GovTech, Singapore
• Ms. Marielza Oliveira - Director, Division for Digital Inclusion, Policies and Transformation, Communications and Information, UNESCO
• Mr. Keping Yao - Sr. Governance and Public Administration Officer, UNPOG, DPIDG, UN DESA
• Mr. Yasas Thalagala - Strategic Engagement and Exploration Lead, Citra Social Innovation Lab, Sri Lanka
• Ms. Yolanda Martínez - GovStack Global Overall Lead, ITU
• Mr. Kanchana Thudugala - Chief Digital Government Officer, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka
• Mr. Chrishantha Nanayakkara - Chief Technology Officer, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka
• Mr. Sameera Jayawardena - Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka
• Ms. Sheron Hewawaduge - Assistant Director, Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka
• Mr. Azam Bakeer Markar - Development Coordination Officer, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Sri Lanka

The workshop not only provided a platform for knowledge sharing but also addressed the holistic approach being adopted for digital capacity building in Sri Lanka's government institutions. The participants emerged equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape and effect transformative change within their respective organizations.

In tandem, the workshop facilitated the effective adoption of the Digital Government Competency Framework, a testament to Sri Lanka's commitment to empower government officials with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital era. This comprehensive framework will foster a culture of digital proficiency, ensuring that every level of governance possesses the expertise to drive digital transformation forward.

With the recognition made by eminent resource persons and entities, the integrated capacity-building approach towards digital government transformation in Sri Lanka has been further strengthened, and its components align with global best practices. The workshop's outcomes will find their place in the upcoming Digital Economy Strategy 2030, shaping the nation's vision for a digitally capable and connected government.

The National Capacity Building Workshop to Accelerate Digital Government Transformation served as a catalyst for change, igniting a sense of purpose and determination among government leaders and policymakers. It paved the way for collaborative action, as participants united under a shared vision to unlock the potential of digital governance for the betterment of Sri Lanka.