In a pioneering move to bolster the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in Sri Lanka, the apex body of the ICT industry, FITIS, has unveiled the “DigiGo.lk” Digital Playbook for SMEs.
Organized by the FITIS Digital Services Chapter, in collaboration with LK Domain Registry and under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries and Plantation Industries, as well as the Ministry of Technology, 'DigiGo.lk' aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for SMEs seeking affordable local digital services, guiding them on their journey towards digital transformation.
Addressing the gathering, State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, emphasized the pivotal role of technology in propelling the growth of the SME sector.
He underscored how technology can provide solutions to the common challenges faced by SMEs, including accessing seed capital, expanding into new markets, overcoming resource constraints and addressing logistical issues.
He also expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with FITIS to launch the DigiGo initiative, which he believes will significantly enhance the SME sector in the country.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that the government has initiated the “Digicon 2030” program, with the primary objective of formulating a national digital economic policy for the year 2030.
"This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Technology, the industry and with the support of the World Bank (WB) and the resulting document was officially presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Notably, SMEs have been identified as one of the six key pillars in shaping the digital economy strategy. This underscores the importance of supporting SMEs in achieving the objectives of the digital economic strategy," he said.
The State Minister of Technology acknowledged the prevalent challenge of limited digital education among SMEs, especially those outside major urban centres like Colombo and Kandy.
"In response, DigiGo will serve as a guiding resource, enabling SMEs to explore available digital platforms and fully embrace the advantages of going digital," he added.
The program plans to host quarterly DigiGo events in all 25 districts by 2030, ensuring the widespread dissemination of digital knowledge.
Visit the DigiGo website here.
