Sri Lanka’s work to digitise local authorities and Divisional Secretariats has come under review at a meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Daily FT reported on 1 October that the meeting took place at the Presidential Secretariat on 29 September.
Officials discussed a proposed National Framework for the Digitalisation of Local Authorities.
A push for connected systems
In its earlier account of the meeting, the Daily Mirror reported that the President called for a coordinated national system and an assessment of how existing platforms cover public services.
The review included rates payments, public-hall and playground bookings, water bills, permits and complaints. Officials also considered further development of digital payments through GovPay.
Divisional Secretariat services in focus
The Daily Mirror reported that more than 300 Divisional Secretariat services had been identified for the programme. A fully equipped model in one selected district was proposed as an initial step.
Identifying services is not the same as making all of them available online. Residents still need service-specific information from the responsible institution.
The resident’s experience is the test
A connected system would be most useful if people can understand where to apply, what information is needed and how to follow the outcome. Assistance at a counter may remain important for someone who cannot complete the process independently.
The next announcements to watch are the chosen pilot location, the services included and clear public instructions. Those details will make it possible to assess how the national framework translates into everyday access.
