Government to digitise 80% of state services by next year, says President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that all state transactions will be transitioned into a digital system, enabling citizens to access 80% of government services from home by next year.

Speaking at a public gathering in Bulathsinhala, the President revealed that achieving this digital expansion requires high-speed 4G connectivity across the country.

A survey identified the need to construct 1,000 communication towers nationwide to support the required network infrastructure.

President Dissanayake stated that all 1,000 towers will be built within the next three years, with 250 scheduled for construction during the coming year alone.

To facilitate access to the digital platform, the government is aiming to issue the new digital identity card by December this year.

The President noted that this digital ID will allow citizens to conduct all state transactions seamlessly and drive the nation's overall digital transformation.

Detailing the initiative, President Dissanayake explained that services including the payment of electricity and water bills, assessment taxes, obtaining birth and death certificates, vehicle registration, and tax payments will be brought onto the system.

He emphasised that this will allow the public to complete these tasks from home without the hassle of visiting Divisional Secretariats, the Department of Motor Traffic, the Passport Office, or the Department for Registration of Persons.