Sri Lanka’s Vision for Global Cooperation and Digital Transformation: President Disanayake’s Address at the 2025 World Governments Summit
In a powerful address at the 2025 World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the urgent need for global unity in tackling transnational challenges, particularly the looming threat of climate change. Speaking to over 4,000 representatives from 150 nations, President Disanayake underscored the importance of collective action, noting that climate issues do not discriminate based on wealth or status. He called for a united global front to address the climate crisis and other critical issues facing humanity.
“Global citizens must come together to face the challenges of today,” said the President, highlighting the need for coordinated responses to the interconnected crises that threaten the stability of nations and the well-being of their citizens.
Sri Lanka’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth
President Disanayake outlined Sri Lanka’s vision for economic growth, innovation, and governance reforms, stressing the country’s dedication to sustainable development. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to international cooperation and the need for a fairer and more equitable global financial system. He pointed to the country’s focus on building resilience, social justice, and ensuring the rule of law to create a structured state that would not only foster national growth but contribute positively to global governance.
He also discussed the importance of strengthening international legal frameworks, effective implementation of agreements, and providing systematic support for low-income and vulnerable communities, ensuring accountability through a free press and social activism.
Addressing the Fragile Global Financial System
In his address, the President drew attention to the growing instability in the global financial system. “The financial landscape is increasingly precarious,” he said, citing looming debt crises, fragile financial structures, and the failure of current systems to adequately handle sovereign debt challenges. President Disanayake called for financial reforms that would establish a fairer economic environment, benefiting not just nations, but people across the world.
He also proposed the creation of a modern version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one that incorporates crucial elements like digital access and environmental rights to address the challenges of the modern world.
Embracing Digital Transformation for Future Growth
One of the key points in President Disanayake’s speech was the importance of human-centered development, particularly in the face of technological disruptions. He highlighted the rapid rise of automation and robotics, which pose a significant threat to job security globally. In response, the President called for global collaboration to create initiatives that focus on education, skills development, and identifying new employment opportunities for displaced workers.
A particular focus was placed on enhancing cybersecurity measures worldwide, recognizing the increasing importance of securing digital infrastructures in an interconnected world.
A Historic Announcement: Oracle’s Support for Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation
During his visit, President Disanayake also held crucial talks with Oracle Corporation’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mike Sicilia. In their discussion, they explored the potential for Oracle to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, particularly through the adoption of fintech services, cloud infrastructure, and digital governance solutions. Oracle expressed a keen interest in establishing a sovereign Oracle Cloud region in Sri Lanka to host government applications and e-governance systems, ensuring compliance with local regulations and data sovereignty.
Further, the President invited Oracle to create a Digital Transformation Hub in Colombo Port City, which would serve as South Asia’s hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud technology, aiming to position Sri Lanka as a regional leader in AI-driven cloud solutions. This partnership would foster public-private collaboration, attract cutting-edge technology investments, and further elevate Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness.
Collective Responsibility in Building a Better World
Drawing from the wisdom of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., President Disanayake closed his speech with an impassioned plea for global unity: “We must learn to live together as brothers,” he quoted. In a moment of reflection, the President invoked the collective resilience of the Sri Lankan people, who in 2024, united to build a “beautiful life and a thriving nation.” He urged world leaders and delegates to join together to rebuild the world, much like the spirit of unity that had strengthened Sri Lanka’s social and economic foundation.
As the summit continues, President Disanayake’s call for global collaboration on climate change, digital transformation, and financial reforms sets a hopeful tone for future strategies, emphasizing the need for a united, forward-thinking approach to the world’s most pressing issues.
The President’s visit, underscored by significant meetings with leaders in technology and finance, is a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka as it looks to strengthen its digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and attract investment that will propel the nation into the future.
