77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Second Committee
Item 15: Information and Communications Technologies for Sustainable Development
Statement by the Delegation of Sri Lanka
Friday, 07 October 2022

Mr. Chair,

At the outset, Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on behalf of the Group of 77 & China. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report submitted under this agenda item.

Mr. Chair,

It is said that technology is best when it brings people together. In Sri Lanka, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a key to advance the three pillars of Sustainable Development. In the context of the impact of the pandemic on every aspect of human society, the role of ICT in mitigating such impacts have been substantial, enabling greater connectivity and continuity, by contributing to the ways Governments, businesses and citizens interact, connect and access information and services.
Nevertheless, it must be appreciated that, the benefits of ICTs on means of resilience in the context of the pandemic have not been equal all around the globe. In some countries, it has exacerbated existing inequalities in many sectors such as education, economy, and health.
It is in this context, Sri Lanka highlights the need to address the digital divide and improve access to ICTs, enhancing digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and access to quality and affordable digital resources.

Mr. Chair,

Despite the macroeconomic challenges, the Government of Sri Lanka has embarked on a digital transformation journey under the direction of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and in partnership with other stakeholders.

Accordingly, the Government has initiated several projects to provide its services through ICT.

The implementation of an electronic Identity Card (e-NIC) is one such noteworthy project, to establish a trusted, unique, secure and accurate digital identity system with full biometric capabilities for all Sri Lankans aged 15 and above. The required infrastructure to implement this project has almost been established at the Department of Registration of Persons, and units in Northern, Eastern, North Western and Southern provinces for data capturing.

The Government of Sri Lanka has also taken measures to initiate a project aims to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and public confidence of the court system in Sri Lanka through establishing an ICT based court management system initially in 100 court houses. The proposed project will facilitate e-filing system, court recording & transcription covering the entire court management system process.
ICT facilitates economic growth by extending the use of technologies such as mobile broadband, high-speed internet access, and computers. I am pleased to recall that, Sri Lanka was the first South Asian country to trial 5G network in 2019. Our telecommunications providers are currently in the early phases of the commercial expansion of 5G networks for mobile and broadband connectivity, which provide the citizens with low-latency access to the internet and will open up unparalleled opportunities for conducting business and commerce.
The Digital Government Policy is aimed at digitally transforming Ministries, Departments, and Government agencies to deliver real time services to public in an effective, efficient and public-friendly manner. This policy is currently in the draft stage under review.

Mr. Chair,

To create a resilient and trusted cyber security ecosystem, Sri Lanka has enabled the required legal environment, by enacting the Personal Data Protection Act this year. Further, Sri Lanka has introduced its first Information and Cyber Security Strategy, for 2019 to 2023, preventing, mitigating, and responding to cyber security threats and incidents effectively and efficiently while maintaining international standards and good practices. The Cyber Security Bill is also in the last stages of its adoption by the Parliament.
We are acutely conscious of the fact that it has become obvious that the present technology has exceeded our humanity and that we need to strike the right balance.

Mr. Chair,

Having underscored the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka in relation to ICT for sustainable development, I also echo the challenges faced by the countries in the South, including mine, as the world plunges deeper into a digital era. In this context, we welcome the technical expertise and contributions in digital infrastructure by our stakeholders.
I wish to appreciate the partnership of the UN Country team in Sri Lanka, especially the UNDP and ESCAP in this regard.  

Mr. Chair,

Despite engaging with the pressing challenges in its economy at the present juncture, Sri Lanka remains committed to integrating ICT based solutions for our development goals.

I thank you!