Digital Payments to Drive Sri Lanka’s Shift to Cashless Economy

COLOMBO (News 1st): The first day of Digital Summit Asia Sri Lanka 2026 was inaugurated in Colombo today, bringing together leading voices in digital marketing, technology, creativity and business from Sri Lanka and across Asia.

Organized by the Digital Marketers Association of Sri Lanka, the two-day summit is being held at Water’s Edge, Colombo, under the theme “The Epicentre.”

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne attended the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka’s strategic location and access to international submarine cable networks could help position the country as a regional or global data centre hub.

He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to transform public services and industries, while positioning Sri Lanka as an innovation hub for AI.

The Deputy Minister identified five key areas in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation agenda, digitalizing government services, expanding the digital industry, moving towards a cashless economy, developing digital skills and transforming traditional industries through digital innovation.

He said Sri Lanka is targeting five billion US dollars in digital exports by 2030.

He also stressed the importance of changing consumer behaviour to encourage wider adoption of digital and QR payments.

The Deputy Minister said digital marketing will play a key role in communicating the benefits of digital payments and encouraging consumers and businesses to move away from cash-based transactions.

He added that stronger digital marketing and global digital presence could also help Sri Lankan products and services reach international markets and generate greater foreign income.

The summit brings together creators, entrepreneurs, marketers, technology leaders and business professionals for discussions on artificial intelligence, the creator economy, brand building, storytelling, innovation and the future of digital advertising.

The programme includes keynote addresses, interactive sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions and panel conversations aimed at encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Digital Summit Asia Sri Lanka 2026 will continue tomorrow.

Maharaja Media Network is the Official Electronic Media Partner of Digital Summit Asia Sri Lanka 2026.