National Digital Strategy

Mr. Indika De Soyza, Chairman of Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the LK Domain Registry, was at ITN Digital and recently addressed the importance of digitalization in Sri Lanka's future growth.

Mr. Indika De Soyza emphasized that embracing digital technologies is crucial for the country's economic development and social inclusivity. Sri Lanka’s 2030 vision focuses on digital technology as the backbone of progress, including expanding broadband access to 99% of the population, ensuring high-speed internet for institutions, and investing in technologies like artificial intelligence and digital financial services.

The digital economy is a key aspect of Sri Lanka’s long-term growth. Mr. Indika De Soyza highlighted initiatives such as digital government services, cybersecurity improvements, and the promotion of digital startups, aiming to foster a thriving digital ecosystem. By 2030, Sri Lanka plans to significantly increase its ICT-BPM export earnings, expand the digital workforce, and enhance digital literacy across the population.

Sri Lanka’s roadmap focuses on:

• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Ensuring 20 Mbps broadband access for all households and 100 Mbps for key institutions, with 99% coverage across urban and rural areas.
• Skills & Jobs: Aiming for 75% digital literacy and expanding the ICT workforce to 200,000 professionals, while fostering 1,200 digital startups.
• Connected Digital Government: Implementing a citizen authentication platform, a digital payment system, and a data-sharing platform.
• Cybersecurity: Improving Sri Lanka’s position in the Global Cybersecurity Index and enhancing public awareness through cybersecurity programs.
• Digital Financial Services: Expanding financial services to remote areas and increasing digital transactions by 50%.
• Digitalization Across Sectors: Helping 100,000 MSMEs embrace digital solutions and adopting Digital Maturity Roadmaps for key sectors like agriculture, tourism, retail, and health.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is poised to become a regional leader in digital transformation. With a clear vision for 2030, the country aims to build an inclusive, digitally empowered society, driving economic growth, employment, and financial inclusion.

The Journey of LK Domain Registry

Building Sri Lanka's Digital Future: The Journey of LK Domain Registry

The LK Domain Registry, Sri Lanka’s exclusive administrator of .LK web addresses, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s digital landscape for over 34 years, proudly holding a 59% market share of the .LK country code top-level domain (ccTLD).

It all began in 1986, when Gihan Dias, a postgraduate student at the University of California, discovered the internet. This pivotal moment marked the dawn of digital innovation for Sri Lanka. By 1990, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority granted him the .LK domain, establishing Sri Lanka’s unique digital identity. That same year, Gihan and his team launched the nation’s first email system. When he returned to Sri Lanka in 1992, he spearheaded the Lanka Educational and Research Network (LEARN), connecting universities and securing his role as Registrar of the LK Domain Registry.

In 1996, Dr. Dias approached the Computer Information Technology Council (CINTEQ) to manage the .LK domain’s policy and finances. By 2004, LK Domain Registry had evolved into an independent entity, marking a key milestone in its journey.

The organization continued to expand its impact. In 2009, the BestWeb.LK competition was launched to celebrate the nation’s top websites and web developers. In 2010, two new top-level domains, .ලංකා and .இலங்கை  were introduced in Sinhala and Tamil to broaden Sri Lanka’s online presence. LK Domain Registry also launched https://www.hithawathi.lk/ a social initiative focused on promoting safe internet use.

In 2013, Professor Gihan Dias, the CEO and Registrar of LK Domain Registry, was honored in the Internet Hall of Fame, a tribute to his groundbreaking contributions as the Father of the Internet in Sri Lanka. The same year, the organization established https://suhurusara.lk its training division, to boost ICT skills nationwide.

Supporting small businesses and professionals, LK Domain Registry added services like MySite and MyMail. In 2015, the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary, launching https://topweb.lk/ as a monthly website recognition award to help web creators improve and excel in the annual  https://www.bestweb.lk/competition.

From its humble beginnings, LK Domain Registry has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s digital journey, fostering a connected, empowered future. Each domain registered strengthens the digital tapestry of a more connected Sri Lanka.

Thank you for being part of our journey. LK Domain Registry—Your Sri Lankan identity in cyberspace.

LK Domain Registry,

106, Bernard's Business Park,

Dutugemunu Street, Dehiwala.

Email : hostmaster@domains.lk

Contact Number : +94 (0)11 421-6061