ABBOT'S WICK

Dr. Hans to Step Down from Axiata Group to Lead SL

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, a key figure in telecommunications, is leaving Axiata Group. He’s been with them for over 30 years. He played a major role in markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, and others. Now, he’s moving to head Sri Lanka’s digital drive.

Dr. Wijayasuriya won the 2024 GSMA Chairman’s Award for his global mobile industry work. He’s the new Chief Advisor to Sri Lanka’s President on Digital Economy. His work starts on January 15, 2025, advising on digital policies.

He’s still helping Axiata Group as CEO of Telecommunications Business. He’ll hold this position until he starts his new role in Sri Lanka. There, he aims to enhance the digital landscape. This move could position Sri Lanka to top Asian Frontier Markets in 2025.

Dr. Hans to Step Down from Axiata Group to Lead SL’s Digital Economy Agenda

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya’s Departure from Axiata Group

For over three decades, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya played a key role at Axiata Group. His work led to major changes in the telecommunications industry. He also began a leadership transition and corporate restructuring. Wijayasuriya’s guidance helped Axiata grow and reach new markets.

Celebrating a 30-Year Tenure and His Role in Telecommunications

Dr. Wijayasuriya spent more than 20 years leading Dialog Axiata. Under his watch, it grew into a top player in its market. With over 11 million customers, it moved from 4th to 1st place because of his efforts.

Axiata Group Leadership and Global Mobile Industry Impact

With Dr. Wijayasuriya in charge, Axiata Group made huge investments in Sri Lanka reaching $1.9 billion by 2015. He led the acquisition of MTT and expanded services. His push for digital solutions made Axiata a tougher competitor.

His work boosted Axiata’s operations and set the stage for future leadership. Key milestones during his time are listed in the table below:

Year	Event	Impact
1997-2000	Transition to Market Leader	Established as No. 1 in Mobile Industry
2008-2009	Restructuring and Downsizing	Rebounded within 6-8 Quarters Post-restructuring
2015	Investment in Sri Lanka	Reached $1.9 Billion, Expanding Market Dominance

Transition Plan for Axiata Group and the Role of Dr. Wijayasuriya until 2025

Dr. Wijayasuriya is getting ready to leave. But a strong leadership transition plan is in place. He will advise until 2025 to help Axiata and Sri Lanka’s digital future. For more on Sri Lanka’s economy and politics, check this article.

This careful planning shows Dr. Wijayasuriya’s impact. It prepares future leaders for the changing world of telecommunications.

Dr. Hans to Step Down from Axiata Group to Lead SL’s Digital Economy Agenda

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is making a big change. He’s moving from Axiata Group to lead Sri Lanka’s digital economy. His goal is to boost technology use in different sectors to help the economy grow.

Appointment as Chief Advisor to President on Digital Economy

Dr. Wijayasuriya is now the Chief Advisor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This move is huge for adding digital tech in government. He will focus on making departments like Customs and Inland Revenue work better online.

He plans to work with others to make the economy stronger through tech. This includes sharing technology and working together on economic development.

Strategic Vision for Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation

Dr. Wijayasuriya has big plans for Sri Lanka’s digital future. He wants to spend money on digital tools and train a tech-savvy workforce. His aim is to make the country a tech leader in the area.

He has a plan that uses resources from both the public and private sectors. The goal is to remake digital systems to help Sri Lanka’s economy.

Leveraging Technology Adoption for Economic Development

Dr. Wijayasuriya believes using technology well can grow the economy. He wants to digitalize how the government works and support tech start-ups. The plan is to build a place where new tech leads to growth.

Working with global tech leaders is key to this strategy. Their expertise and money are important. They’ll help Sri Lanka grow in a digital world, offering both sustainability and big economic pluses.

Future Prospects: Envisioning Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy Under New Leadership

Sri Lanka’s digital economy is ready for a big change. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is leading this change. As the head of Dialog Axiata PLC, he brings a lot of experience. Dialog Axiata is the largest listed company on the Colombo Stock and the top foreign investor in the country. Under his leadership, Dialog Axiata’s revenue went up to Rs. 141.9 billion. This was an 18% increase from the year before, showing the power of strong digital infrastructure.

Dialog Axiata has over 17 million subscribers. In 2021, they invested about Rs. 31.7 billion in connectivity. This shows their commitment to improving Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. Because of this investment, revenue from Mobile and Fixed Broadband grew by 10% and 39%, respectively. With Dr. Wijayasuriya’s vision, Sri Lanka’s digital economy is set to get even better.

Dr. Wijayasuriya also advises the President on the digital economy. This shows Sri Lanka’s focus on digital growth. The Sri Lanka Digital Marketing Summit 2023 is a big event. It has leaders from big companies like Google and Meta. Dialog Axiata is the main sponsor and plays a big role in organizing it. This underlines their importance in boosting Sri Lanka’s digital ecosystem. Despite economic challenges, the push for digital growth is strong. This promises a future where technology leads to progress and resilience.

Government Launches National Digital Transformation Roadmap

The Sri Lankan Government has launched a big plan for the future. They call it the National Digital Transformation Initiative. This plan is a detailed blueprint aimed at making Sri Lanka’s economy more digital by 2030. It highlights the importance of Digital Strategy Development for sustainable growth. It guides Sri Lanka into a new era of digital innovation and transformation.

The main goal is to create a National Digital Infrastructure Plan. It’s about making digital access fairer and improving public services quickly. The plan includes several stages over five years, linking well with the country’s overall development plans. It looks at how digital technology can change public services, like education, for the better. This makes governance smarter, more connected, and efficient.

The strategy draws inspiration from Uganda’s Digital Uganda Vision 2040. It has high aims, like boosting the contribution of ICT to the GDP. The plan fosters a place where digital skills, innovation, and creating businesses are key. This fits well with the world moving more towards a digital era, with blockchain and AI changing how things are done in government and education.

Key points of this plan include teaching people more about digital technology, improving online safety, protecting data, and providing better internet access. It was made by six groups working together, each focusing on different parts of putting the plan into action. The result is a broad plan to change Sri Lanka’s digital base into something stronger, more open, and forward-thinking.

Government Launches National Digital Transformation Roadmap

OMP Sri Lanka ensures people know about important plans like the National Digital Transformation Roadmap. This plan marks a big step towards closing the digital gap between city and country areas. It prepares young people for the future and uses ICT to improve society and the economy. The plan also strongly focuses on making the country more able to deal with challenges, like the recent school closures due to floods. It highlights the need for better national defenses against natural disasters.

Exploring Sri Lanka’s 2030 Vision for Digital Transformation

Sri Lanka is on a journey towards digital progress with the National Digital Transformation Roadmap. This roadmap focuses on upgrading technology and government systems. It also aims to boost Economic Growth and make digital tools available across public services.

The National Digital Transformation Roadmap is key for Sri Lanka’s growth. It uses Digital Innovation in Public Sector to make the country competitive globally. The plan includes improving infrastructure and digital skills. It will also bring in new Digital Financial Services for more development.

The Influence of the National Digital Transformation Roadmap on the Economy

With this roadmap, Sri Lanka plans to upgrade its digital set-up. Key projects, like the City of Dreams, will help grow the economy by pulling in investors and tourists. Global rankings, like the Network Readiness Index, show that better digital systems can lift a country’s economy. This suggests Sri Lanka’s plans are on the right track.

Core Principles and Strategic Focus Areas of the Digital Roadmap

The roadmap stands on principles like inclusivity and sustainability. It aims to improve digital government services and cybersecurity. By launching Public Sector Innovation projects, it will upgrade technology in many areas.

Aligning Digital Initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals

The roadmap also supports eco-friendly tech and tries to bring digital tools to more people. It includes steps to update farming with tech, as shown by digital agritech projects.

This broad strategy not only lifts Sri Lanka’s economy. It also matches global goals for a sustainable future. That’s why Sri Lanka’s digital changes are crucial for its development.

Indicator	2020 Ranking	2022 Ranking
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index	83 out of 194	Improving Measures
UN E-Government Development Index	85 out of 193	95 out of 193
Network Readiness Index	83 out of 134	81 out of 131

Sri Lanka’s 2030 Vision for Digital Transformation seeks a balance in using digital tech for development. This roadmap clearly outlines how to modernize the public sector and promote economic and tech growth.

Driving Innovation and Inclusivity Through Digital Strategy Development

Sri Lanka focuses on creating an Inclusive Digital Economy and boosting Digital Literacy. The goal is to Bridge the Digital Divide nationwide. Making high-speed broadband available to everyone at affordable rates is key. This move aims for speeds over 100 Mbps. This will allow all government services to go online. This means citizens and businesses can easily do transactions online. With a smart approach to budget management, Sri Lanka is modernizing its economy and addressing its money challenges.

Fostering Digital Literacy and Bridging the Digital Divide

The government is improving technology to gain people’s trust in digital services. It is also focused on eco-friendly projects. This is to make digital systems more sustainable. Sri Lanka is making great progress in Digital Transformation. It’s improving access and use of digital tech. These changes will open new doors for everyone, supporting Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure goals.

Utilizing Emerging Technologies for Economic Growth

The world’s economy is quickly changing, with digital platforms leading the way. Sri Lanka knows it needs to use Emerging Technologies for Economic Growth. The country is updating laws and policies to support digital developments. This will help Sri Lanka become a leader in digital policies and governance by 2025.

Public-Private Partnerships in National Digital Infrastructure

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are crucial for Sri Lanka’s digital plans. These partnerships help overcome resource challenges. They make it easier for private investors to fund digital projects. Together, the government, schools, and businesses are expanding digital access to countryside areas. With help from groups like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, Sri Lanka is growing. It aims to become a key business area in South Asia, focusing on strong health strategies and sustainability.

Sri Lanka: Mass Protests Force Rajapaksa’s Resignation

Sri Lanka’s politics have drastically changed due to mass protests. These protests brought together hundreds of thousands of citizens. They eventually led to the shocking resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The public, upset by worsening poverty and a prolonged economic crisis, took to the streets. This massive display of anger forced Rajapaksa to resign from Singapore on July 13th.

Sri Lanka faced its worst economic state since becoming independent in 1948. Citizens struggled with high inflation and a lack of basic needs. Their protests expressed deep frustration with the lack of fuel, food, and medicines.

The people also showed their anger toward the Rajapaksa family’s leadership. The resulting peaceful protests have now opened a path for political change. Sri Lanka is at a turning point, with calls for reform and a new “unity government.”

In these hard times, a sense of national unity shines as a sliver of hope. Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities are coming together. They seek justice and better days ahead.

The world is watching as Sri Lanka fights to overcome this crisis. With help from the IMF and others, there’s hope for recovery.

Mass Protests Lead to Resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

The Prelude to Change: Economic Crisis and Public Uprising

In early 2022, Sri Lanka was on the brink of significant change due to a major crisis. The country faced its worst economic downturn with severe inflation, power cuts, and shortages of basics like fuel and medicine. These problems were due to government actions and alleged corruption, sparking public demonstrations in Colombo and beyond.

Socio-Economic Turmoil and the Cry for Accountability

The faltering economy led to citizens demanding accountability. They protested in large numbers at Galle Face Green. The protests were not just about economic issues. They were a deep-rooted uprising against the leadership, showing significant political unrest in Sri Lanka. For insights into reforms for economic stability, check out Sri Lanka’s Education Minister’s New Reforms.

Unity Among Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims Against Injustice

Sri Lanka’s ethnic groups—Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims—united in their protests. They wanted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign as a stand against injustice and corruption. Their united efforts showed that their movement went beyond ethnic differences, aiming for fairness and justice for all.

Bridging the Protests and Political Allegations

The protests were closely linked to allegations of political mismanagement. People were vocal about mishandled public funds and economic missteps causing their suffering. In light of the crisis, there were calls for new leadership and health security measures. This aimed to strengthen the nation against socio-political instability. Learn more here: Sri Lanka’s National Action Plan for Health.

Candidate	Votes Received
Ranil Wickremesinghe	134
Dullas Alahapperuma	82
Anura Kumara Dissanayake	3
Parliament Participation
Votes Cast	223
Abstentions	2
Invalid Ballots	4

public demonstrations Colombo

Mass Protests Lead to Resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

In Sri Lanka, a significant uprising led to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepping down. This was a big moment caused by widespread anger. Tens of thousands of citizens marched against economic troubles and government failures, demanding change. These protests set a dramatic example for South Asia’s political scene.

These protests started in April because of a severe economic crisis. For 92 days, people from all over, despite transport issues and intense heat, walked to Colombo. Some traveled more than 20 km.

A police curfew was set to stop the protests but failed. It was lifted, giving protesters more determination to push for leadership change.

The push for Rajapaksa’s resignation led to an extraordinary event. Protesters occupied the presidential home. This showed a strong resistance against the regime. It also showed how different groups worked together for democracy. This effort found support despite government resistance. More about these efforts can be found here.

Economic Indicator	Status
Inflation Rate (June)	54.6%
IMF Bailout Requirement	$3 billion
Protest Duration	92 days
Distance Walked by Protesters	Over 20 km

After Rajapaksa left, there were talks of removing the Presidential system. People wanted a stronger democracy in parliament. Experts like Jayadeva Uyangoda believe this could end the Rajapaksa family’s power.

The resignation didn’t solve all problems. Sri Lanka had to discuss a $2.9 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund amidst tough times. The IMF deal required trust from lenders and skilled leadership to manage the crisis.

Sri Lanka’s struggle shows how powerful citizen protests can be. It’s a lesson in how people can drive change for better governance and economic policies.

The Aftermath: Political Shifts and the Quest for Stability

After President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down, Sri Lanka sought political stability. Ranil Wickremesinghe became president amid high security, including a social media ban. This security was to manage public demonstrations in Colombo. The civil disobedience movement and other societal groups played a big role in this change. Activists like Wasantha Mudalige faced tough legal actions.

The president’s removal was the peak of long-term protests. Authorities reacted strongly, using tear gas and water cannons on the crowd. Many people were arrested for ignoring the curfew orders. A big reshuffle happened in the government also, with Ali Sabry resigning as finance minister after just one day.

Sri Lanka’s journey toward recovery is still on shaky ground due to economic issues. The country is trying to manage a huge debt over $50 billion. This debt is owed to countries like India, China, Japan, and others. As Sri Lanka tries to fix its economy, it is part of a worldwide financial challenge. The United Nations says around 1.7 billion people globally face economic hardships. Sri Lanka’s efforts include seeking help from the IMF for recovery. For more info, one can read about Sri Lanka’s external debt and its impact.

Educational reform in Sri Lanka is a big focus. The government is putting money into improvements, like making education digital. This is to prepare the youth for future challenges. Key endeavors include working with universities and launching programs like Cambridge Climate Quest in multiple languages. These steps showcase Sri Lanka’s drive toward sustainability and growth. More about these educational reforms can be found at Sri Lanka’s new education initiatives.

Sri Lankan archbishop asks Muslims to reject extremism

On a significant anniversary, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, led a ceremony. He asked Sri Lanka’s Muslims to fight against extremism. This event, at St. Anthony’s Shrine, remembered the Easter Sunday bombings of 2019. Those bombings killed 269 innocent people.

Cardinal Ranjith spoke to a crowd of different faiths. He spoke as a big supporter of religious tolerance. The ceremony brought together Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim leaders. They gathered to honor the victims and show unity.

The Cardinal made a strong plea to Muslims. He asked them to clearly reject and fight extremism. This call to action was made at an event showing unity among different religions. The event was in response to attacks by local Muslim groups linked to the Islamic State. Cardinal Ranjith stressed the need to reject harmful ideologies. He also talked about the need for transparency and understanding the true reasons behind these attacks. These acts of violence are still a dark memory for the nation.

Key Takeaways

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith advocates for unity and religious tolerance in the face of extremism.
Interfaith commemoration underscores a unified stance against extremist violence.
Archbishop’s plea directed at Muslim community to reject extremism and seek truth behind the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
Cardinal underscores importance of transparency and justice for the 269 victims of the terror attacks.
Religious figures from diverse faiths join in remembrance and solidarity at the site of the first bombing.
Global geopolitics scrutinized as a potential influence on the misuse of religious teachings.

Sri Lankan Archbishop’s Call for Solidarity on Easter Attack Anniversary

On the solemn anniversary of the Easter attacks, Sri Lanka’s leaders came together. They aimed to strengthen their commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue. Their actions highlighted ongoing efforts for harmony and building bridges among diverse groups.

The Commemoration at St. Anthony’s Shrine

St. Anthony’s Shrine, hit during the attacks, held a touching ceremony. It was attended by leaders of different religions. This event showed a united stance against violence and pushed for peace in Sri Lanka.

The ceremony honored the victims while showing the unity and strength of Sri Lanka’s religious groups.

Interfaith Leaders Unite in Memory of the Victims

Leaders from various faiths united to condemn the violence and remember the lessons learned. Their unity is crucial for building bridges in the community. It promotes a culture of respect and understanding.

Global Geopolitics and Extremism: Archbishop Ranjith’s Insight

Archbishop Ranjith shared insights on global issues and extremist ideologies. He explained how these factors have impacted local situations, leading to tragic events. He stressed the need for vigilance and global cooperation to fight against extremism.

Date of Attack	Deaths	Injuries	Extent of Extremism	Global Response
21 April 2019	270 victims	Over 500	High	Vigilant monitoring and international support required
Note: Data reflects the necessity for continued interfaith dialogue and preventive measures against extremism.

Navigating the Aftermath: The Ongoing Pursuit for Answers in Sri Lanka

After the tragic Easter Sunday bombings, Sri Lanka is seeking the truth. This quest is especially important to religious figures like Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. He believes the challenge is bigger than just stopping extremists. The Archbishop isn’t happy with the presidential commission’s findings. He says they didn’t fully uncover who was behind the violence. He is asking for the UN to step in. This shows he doesn’t fully trust local investigations to find justice for the victims.

The High Court of Sri Lanka made some decisions that cleared top officials from blame. This has upset many people who want answers and peace. Cardinal Ranjith wants the world to help gather more evidence. He wants a deep dive into the reasons behind the Easter tragedy. His call for action to the international community is loud and clear. He hopes they can reveal the real story, responding to his call to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The sad event touched many, including the Sri Lankan archbishop. He is asking Muslims to stand against extremism. His leadership sheds light on the importance of staying united, regardless of religion or belief. At OMP Sri Lanka, our goal is to share accurate, timely information with educated adults. We bring government news and essential updates. We hope to foster informed discussions. This is crucial for healing and stopping the spread of harmful ideas.

Korean Cultural Festival 2022 Enthralls Sri Lankan Audiences

Sri Lanka recently hosted the Korean Cultural Festival 2022. The event showcased South Korea’s rich heritage and promoted cultural exchange. Sri Lankans flocked to experience vibrant Korean traditions and contemporary culture.

The festival featured traditional dance, Taekwondo demos, and Korean cuisine. It aimed to boost South Asian appreciation for Korean culture. This event strengthened bonds between the two nations.

Yohani's Debut Album 'Kella' Submitted for Grammy Consideration

Attendees marveled at graceful Korean dance performances. Dancers in colorful hanbok attire moved with precision and expression. Their storytelling through movement captivated the audience.

Taekwondo displays added thrills to the festival. Skilled martial artists showed off impressive kicks and acrobatic moves. These demonstrations highlighted the discipline of this iconic Korean art.

Key Takeaways

The Korean Cultural Festival 2022 showcased traditional Korean dance, Taekwondo, and cuisine to Sri Lankan audiences.
The event promoted cultural exchange and strengthened ties between South Korea and Sri Lanka.
Traditional Korean dance performances captivated attendees with their grace and elegance.
Taekwondo demonstrations highlighted the discipline and athleticism of this iconic Korean martial art.
The festival served as a platform for cultural crossover and enhanced South Asian representation of Korean culture.

Festival Highlights: Showcasing Korean Culture and Traditions

The Korean Cultural Festival 2022 in Sri Lanka celebrated Korea’s rich cultural heritage. It offered a diverse array of events and experiences. The festival attracted visitors from local and regional areas.

This event encompassed cultural, political, arts, business, educational, sport, and recreational aspects. It provided a comprehensive showcase of Korean traditions and modern innovations.

Traditional Korean Dance Performances

Mesmerizing traditional Korean dance performances were a main attraction. These showcased the grace and elegance of Korea’s dance heritage. Colorful costumes and enchanting music captivated audiences.

Dancers’ precise movements brought ancient Korean tales to life. Their expressions conveyed deep emotions and stories. This offered a glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural tapestry.

Taekwondo Demonstrations

Awe-inspiring Taekwondo demonstrations were another highlight. Skilled practitioners displayed strength, agility, and discipline in this Korean martial art. These performances entertained and showcased the dedication required to master Taekwondo.

Korean Culinary Delights

The festival offered a taste of authentic Korean dishes. Visitors savored kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue prepared by skilled chefs. Aromatic flavors and vibrant colors enhanced the overall sensory experience.

The Korean Cultural Festival 2022 in Sri Lanka was a success. It showcased the best of Korean culture and traditions. The event engaged visitors with diverse experiences and immersive technology.

Yohani’s Debut Album ‘Kella’ Submitted for Grammy Consideration

Yohani, Sri Lanka’s music star, has made history. Her debut album ‘Kella’ is up for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. It’s the first Sinhala album in the Best Global Music Album category.

‘Kella’ dropped on December 8, 2023. It shows off Yohani’s talent and Sri Lankan musical heritage. The album has 14 tracks: 11 in Sinhalese and 3 in English.

Dilanjan Seneviratne led the creative process. He produced and wrote lyrics for seven tracks. This ensured top-notch quality and heartfelt words.

Sound engineer Misjah mastered ‘Kella’ in the Netherlands. This move helped the album meet global standards. It shows Yohani’s aim to deliver world-class Sri Lankan music.

Yohani’s future looks bright. She’s teaming up with Moroccan artist 7aliwa. Her second album is set for early 2025. Fans can catch her live soon.

The Ballad of Warriors Show is on November 7, 2024. Her first solo concert in Sri Lanka happens on January 18, 2025.

Yohani’s success has put Sri Lankan music on the map. She’s opened doors for other talented artists. Her achievements inspire upcoming musicians in the country.

Strengthening Cultural Ties Between South Korea and Sri Lanka

The Korean Cultural Festival 2022 in Sri Lanka boosted cultural exchange between the two nations. It showcased Korean dance, Taekwondo, and cuisine. This event helped Sri Lankans appreciate South Korean traditions and arts better.

Yohani’s debut album ‘Kella’ was submitted for Grammy consideration. Her success inspires Sri Lankan artists and shows potential for global recognition. This opens doors for more cultural partnerships between South Korea and Sri Lanka.

The cultural bond goes beyond entertainment. Sri Lanka’s record-breaking paddy harvest in 2024 Yala ensures food security. This progress in farming creates opportunities for knowledge sharing with South Korea.

Stronger ties between South Korea and Sri Lanka lead to cooperation in various sectors. These include tourism, education, and technology. Exchanging ideas and resources will foster mutual growth and deeper cultural understanding.