Frontpage Journal | C-Suites Chronicle Series

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture  where technology, governance, and innovation must converge to drive sustainable growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Mrs. Chanaki Mallikarachchi, the Director of ICT at the Ministry of Digital Economy, whose career journey reflects a unique blend of private sector expertise, academic leadership, and extensive government service. With experience spanning software development, program management, and national-level ICT policy implementation, she has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka’s digital governance framework and leading pioneering initiatives such as the Lanka Government Network (LGN) and the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC).

As part of our C-Suits Chronicles: “Stories, Struggles and Strategies from the Top”, we sat down with Mrs. Mallikarachchi for an insightful conversation on her journey, the country’s digital transformation, and her vision for building a stronger digital economy for Sri Lanka.” 

Q1. Can you share the journey that led you to your current role as Director ICT at the Ministry of Digital Economy? What key experiences shaped your career?

My journey to becoming the Director of ICT at the Ministry of Digital Economy has been shaped by a mix of private sector expertise and extensive government service. I began my career as a software developer and later worked as a QA Engineer at Virtusa, where I gained a strong grounding in software quality assurance and testing methodologies. This early industry exposure helped me build technical discipline and attention to detail.

From there, I transitioned into academia as a Program Manager at ICBT Campus, which gave me experience in managing programs and mentoring young ICT professionals. However, the turning point in my career came when I entered government service as a System Integration Engineer at the Presidential Secretariat. Over the years, I was promoted to Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and eventually Director, where I had the opportunity to design and implement ICT policies, manage digital transformation projects, and guide national-level initiatives.

Some of the most impactful experiences included implementing enterprise ICT systems at the Presidential Secretariat, leading e-Government projects such as the Lanka Government Network (LGN) and Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), and contributing to policies on digital governance, data sharing, and AI. These roles not only tested my technical expertise but also strengthened my leadership, policy-making, and stakeholder management skills.

Each stage of my career from the private sector to academia and then government gave me a unique perspective: technical excellence, organizational leadership, and strategic policy implementation. Together, these experiences have shaped me into a professional who can bridge technology with governance, which is at the heart of my current role as Director of ICT at the Ministry of Digital Economy.

Q2. What inspired you to focus on digital transformation and ICT, particularly in the context of national development?

What inspired me was the realization that ICT isn’t just about technology it’s about improving people’s lives. Early in my career I saw how digital systems could make government services more transparent, efficient, and accessible to citizens. That motivated me to focus on digital transformation, because I believe technology is one of the strongest tools we have to drive national development and create equal opportunities for all Sri Lankans.

Q3. From your perspective, what are the most significant milestones Sri Lanka has achieved so far in implementing the National Digital Economy blueprint?

Sri Lanka has made significant progress under the National Digital Economy blueprint. Some of the most notable milestones include the expansion of the Lanka Government Network (LGN) and the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), which created the backbone for digital service delivery; the rollout of GovTech platforms such as e-Land, e-Passport and online payment systems; and the passage of key legislation like the Personal Data Protection Act, which strengthened trust in digital services. We’ve also launched the National AI Strategy and taken steps to establish a National AI Center, which positions us for the future. These milestones collectively reflect the country’s commitment to building a strong digital-first economy.

Q4. What are the biggest challenges you face in driving digital transformation across government and society, and how are you addressing them?

The biggest challenges we face are threefold:

Legacy systems and fragmentation – many institutions still operate in silos, making interoperability difficult. We are addressing this by introducing national digital standards and promoting shared platforms like LGN and LGC.

Capacity and mindset – digital transformation requires not just technology but people who can embrace change. We are addressing this through training programs, awareness campaigns, and continuous professional development.

Trust and security – citizens need confidence in digital systems, particularly with data security and privacy. The Personal Data Protection Act, cybersecurity frameworks, and strong governance mechanisms are helping us build that trust.

By tackling infrastructure, human capital, and governance together, we are creating a more enabling environment for transformation.

Q5. How do you see emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s digital economy?

Emerging technologies will be the backbone of Sri Lanka’s next phase of digital growth.

AI will enable data-driven decision-making across government, agriculture, healthcare, and education, while also powering smarter citizen services.

Blockchain will enhance transparency and trust in areas such as land registration, supply chain management, and public procurement.

Cloud computing will provide scalable infrastructure for e-Government services, reduce costs, and ensure resilience.

By adopting these technologies strategically, Sri Lanka can move beyond digitalization of services into creating a true digital economy that drives innovation, competitiveness, and inclusivity.

Q6. In your experience, what role does public-private collaboration play in accelerating digital adoption, and can you share any successful examples?

Public–private collaboration is essential for accelerating digital adoption because government brings policy direction and reach, while the private sector brings innovation, agility, and technical expertise. When these strengths combine, transformation happens faster and with greater impact.

For example, the integration of LankaPay with government digital services has enabled secure, convenient online payments for citizens, showing how private sector infrastructure can empower public service delivery. Similarly, partnerships with ICT companies for cloud and cybersecurity solutions have helped strengthen the Lanka Government Cloud and improve resilience.

These collaborations are not just about outsourcing they are about co-creating solutions that directly benefit citizens and businesses.

Q7. If you could prioritize three strategic initiatives to rapidly advance Sri Lanka’s digital economy, what would they be?

If I had to prioritize three strategic initiatives, I would focus on:

Digital Infrastructure & Interoperability – strengthen the Lanka Government Network, expand the Lanka Government Cloud, and build seamless interoperability frameworks so all ministries and agencies can share data securely.

Digital Identity & Payments – accelerate adoption of a unified digital ID system linked with secure digital payment solutions, ensuring every citizen can access services online.

Capacity Building & Innovation Ecosystem – invest in digital literacy, upskill government employees, and create an enabling environment for startups, AI-driven innovation, and public–private partnerships.

These three pillars connectivity, identity, and capability would rapidly push Sri Lanka towards a fully functional digital economy.

Q8. How can young professionals and entrepreneurs contribute effectively to building a stronger digital ecosystem in Sri Lanka?

Young professionals and entrepreneurs are key drivers of Sri Lanka’s digital future. They can contribute in three main ways:

Innovation – by developing new digital solutions, apps, and platforms that solve real local problems in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Skills & Knowledge Sharing – by actively engaging in digital literacy programs, mentorship, and capacity building, especially to uplift rural communities.

Entrepreneurship & Startups – by creating digital businesses that not only generate jobs but also strengthen the overall digital ecosystem.

When youth combine creativity with technology and entrepreneurship, they bring the agility and energy that large institutions sometimes lack. This is vital for a thriving digital economy.

Q9. What lessons have you learned from international best practices in ICT and digital governance that can be adapted to Sri Lanka?

From studying international best practices, a few clear lessons stand out for Sri Lanka:

Whole-of-Government Approach (Estonia) – A unified vision and interoperable platforms reduce duplication and create seamless services for citizens.

Strong Legal & Policy Frameworks (EU & Singapore) – Data protection, cybersecurity, and digital identity laws build public trust and ensure responsible use of technology.

Public–Private Collaboration (India & UK) – Leveraging the innovation and speed of the private sector while aligning with government priorities accelerates adoption.

Citizen-Centric Design (Australia & Canada) – Services designed around user needs, not institutions, make adoption easier and more inclusive.

These practices remind us that digital transformation is not just about technology and that it’s about governance, trust, and inclusivity.

Q10. Finally, what is your vision for Sri Lanka in the next 5–10 years as a digital-first economy, and what message would you like to convey to policymakers and citizens?

My vision for Sri Lanka in the next 5–10 years is to become a truly digital-first economy, where every citizen urban or rural has seamless access to government services, digital payments, and opportunities powered by emerging technologies. I see an economy where digital infrastructure, identity, and trust frameworks empower businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to innovate without barriers. To policymakers, my message is: continue to prioritize digital transformation as a national development agenda, ensuring policies are forward-looking and inclusive. To citizens, my message is: embrace digital tools and services, because your participation is what makes transformation successful. Together, we can build a Sri Lanka that is efficient, transparent, and globally competitive.