No More Trips to Govt offices? President Targets 80% of Public Services from Home

Overview of Digitizing Sri Lankan Public Services

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined a series of measures aimed at accelerating Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, including plans to make around 80% of public services accessible from home through mobile phones.

Addressing a public meeting in Bulathsinhala, the President said Rs. 30 billion would be allocated in next year’s Budget for digitalization, while the government also plans to expand nationwide 4G coverage.

Here are seven key updates announced by the President:

1. Rs. 30 billion for digitalization

The government will allocate Rs. 30 billion in next year’s Budget specifically for the country’s digitalization program.

2. 80% of government services accessible from home

The President said the digitalization drive would enable citizens to access around 80% of government services from home using their mobile phones, significantly reducing the need to physically visit government offices.

3. Birth and death certificates online

Under the planned system, services relating to birth and death certificates will be available digitally, allowing people to carry out the relevant transactions from home.

4. Land deed services to go digital

Transactions involving land deeds are also among the government services the President said would become digitally accessible from home.

5. Revenue license services online

Vehicle revenue license-related transactions are also expected to be available digitally as part of the wider transformation of government services.

6. 1,000 new 4G towers

The government plans to construct 1,000 new 4G towers over the next three years, with the aim of completing 4G signal coverage throughout Sri Lanka.

7. 250 towers to be completed next year

Of the planned 1,000 towers, 250 are expected to be completed next year, marking the first major phase of the nationwide connectivity expansion.

The President presented the digitalization program as part of a broader series of infrastructure and development initiatives planned by the government, which also include new expressways, railway electrification and other major public investments.

(Newswire)