Sri Lanka public service is set for a digital shift with e-learning, cybersecurity training, micro-learning, and system-based reforms.
Sri Lanka public service reforms are set to move from a traditional person-based model to a modern system-based digital structure, the Ministry of Digital Economy said.
The Ministry said the plan is aimed at improving efficiency across the country’s public service and reducing delays by strengthening the technological knowledge of public officers.
According to a statement issued after a meeting, the main objective is to help public servants keep pace with rapidly changing global technology while improving the delivery of government services.
The Ministry said strong emphasis was placed during the discussion on the need to transform public service from a traditional “person-based” approach to a modern “system-based” method.
The discussion also identified several priority areas that must be addressed during this transition.
These include overcoming technological anxiety among senior officials, encouraging greater interest in digital skills, and providing cybersecurity knowledge to prevent cyberattacks and data risks caused by lack of awareness among officers.
The session was chaired by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath.
The Ministry noted that training hundreds of thousands of public servants at the same time would be practically difficult.
As a result, it was decided to conduct a technical evaluation on the possible use of an e-learning platform.
Instead of long lectures, a micro-learning method was proposed.
Under this approach, learning content would be delivered through mobile phones using 10 to 15 short video clips, each lasting around two to three minutes.
The discussion also focused on making completion of digital literacy courses a mandatory policy requirement for public officers’ annual performance appraisals and promotions.
The Ministry said it was agreed that computer laboratories in government offices and schools could be used for training purposes after 4:30 PM.
It was also proposed to introduce gamification, including badge-awarding systems and digitally signed certificates, to encourage officers to complete the learning process.
The digital transformation plan is expected to be implemented under a three-tiered structure.
The first tier will focus on training currently employed officers according to their professional levels, including executive officers, middle management, and other public servants.
The second tier will focus on recruiting new entrants to the public service only as digitally certified individuals.
The third tier will involve formulating school and university curricula for future generations in line with the needs of the digital economy.
As an initial step, public officers will be given a 10-minute foundational awareness course on cybersecurity.
They will also receive practical training on the correct use of official government email and collaboration tools, instead of relying on platforms such as WhatsApp and Viber for official communication.
The Ministry said the broader aim is to build a public service that functions through reliable systems, stronger digital skills, and safer communication practices.
