Respected, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, attended the inaugural ceremony of the 2025 Annual Research Conference at the country's leading Engineering Research Forum (IESL) yesterday (02). The minister presented the seminar as a true celebration of knowledge, innovation and engineers' vital role in shaping the nation's progress.
Addressing the crowd, the minister mentioned that engineers have been the founders of this country's development through irrigation, electricity, highways and communication since history, and their role is to today an activity that goes beyond physical infrastructure development. He high pointed out that engineers have now become central stakeholders of digital transformation that reshape every aspect of society, from renewable energy, smart systems and healthcare and education to agriculture and government services.
The minister here emphasized the government's hardest efforts to advance digitalization by expanding broadband and digital public infrastructure, encouraging partnerships in AI, Fintech and advanced production sector, and strengthening research and innovation capacity. The Deputy Minister, who appreciated the engineering institute for creating this open platform, invited engineers and researchers to continuously lead innovations, and not only adapt to Sri Lanka's digital change but also contribute to operate it actively.
Yesterday (02), the Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, participated in the inauguration of the 2025 Annual Research Conference of the Institution of Engineers of Sri Lanka (IESL), the nation’s premier engineering research forum. He described the conference as a celebration of the pivotal role engineers play in fostering knowledge, innovation, and national progress.
In his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized that engineers have historically driven Sri Lanka’s development through irrigation, electricity, highways, and communications. Today, their contributions extend far beyond physical infrastructure, placing them at the forefront of the digital transformation shaping sectors such as renewable energy, smart systems, healthcare, education, agriculture, and government services.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing digitalization by expanding broadband and digital public infrastructure, fostering partnerships in AI, fintech, and advanced manufacturing, and strengthening research and innovation capacity. The Deputy Minister praised IESL for providing an open platform for collaboration and urged engineers and researchers to continue driving innovation, not only adapting to digital transformation but actively shaping Sri Lanka’s digital future.
