ADB backs Sri Lanka’s digital drive

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $98 million loan to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to build a secure, inclusive and resilient digital economy while promoting private sector-led growth and improving public service delivery.

The Advancing Digital Transformation Project will expand high-speed broadband connectivity in underserved areas and upgrade telecommunications infrastructure from 2G to 4G and 5G technology.

The project will also strengthen the Lanka Government Cloud 3.0 to improve the reliability and resilience of government data systems.

The initiative will address gaps in cybersecurity, data protection and digital skills in the public sector through targeted training programmes.

It will also seek to increase women’s participation in the digital economy.

In addition, the project will receive a $1 million technical assistance grant from the ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund.