Colombo, July 26, 2024 — President Ranil Wickramasinghe has expressed his appreciation for the political parties in Parliament that supported the Economic Transformation Bill, which aims to guide Sri Lanka’s economy towards a digital and green future. Speaking at an event at Rambukkana Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya, the President emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology into the country’s economic framework.
President Wickramasinghe highlighted the bill’s role in establishing an administrative and institutional structure to foster an export-centric digital economy. He stressed the need for technological advancement to keep pace with global changes, recalling his own educational experiences and noting the significant technological progress since his time at school.
The President invited all political parties to continue supporting the program, which includes the introduction of a QR code system for cash transactions. He drew comparisons to countries like India and China, where mobile phone transactions are commonplace, and underscored the importance of adopting similar technologies in Sri Lanka.
At a separate ceremony held at the Pinnawala Zoo premises, President Wickramasinghe inaugurated the QR code payment system in the Kegalle district. This initiative is part of a nationwide program designed to empower over a million micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs by streamlining cash transactions through QR codes.
The President’s visit included an introduction to the DIGIECON booths at the zoo, where he officially began making payments using QR codes, signaling a significant step towards digitizing financial transactions in Sri Lanka.
