Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards digital transformation following a high-level discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Oracle Corporation’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mike Sicilia. The meeting took place during the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates on February 11, focusing on Sri Lanka’s adoption of cloud infrastructure and fintech solutions.
During the discussion, Oracle expressed its willingness to support Sri Lanka’s digitalization by providing Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). President Dissanayake invited Oracle to establish a sovereign Oracle Cloud region in Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to host government applications, enhance e-governance services, and build a national data system while ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, both parties explored opportunities to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition towards a cashless economy. The President proposed the establishment of a Digital Transformation Hub in Colombo Port City, which would serve as South Asia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Hub. He also invited Oracle to send a team to Sri Lanka to facilitate this initiative.
Mike Sicilia expressed Oracle’s strong interest in establishing its South Asian AI and Cloud Hub in Colombo Port City. He noted that this move would strategically position Sri Lanka as a leader in AI-driven cloud solutions, encouraging public-private partnerships and attracting advanced technology investments.
President Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve governance efficiency, economic growth, and global competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of Oracle’s involvement in shaping the country’s digital future and invited the tech giant to play a key role in its transformation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath and the Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusoof, attended the discussions.
