Technology and Economic Transformation in Sri Lanka

This research paper examines the role of technology in supporting economic transformation and sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka. The study investigates how information and communication technology (ICT), digital technologies, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, automation and other emerging technologies can contribute to productivity improvement, export diversification, foreign-exchange generation, employment and regional economic development.The study uses secondary data and evidence from official and institutional sources, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, World Bank, Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The research compares selected traditional and technology-enabled economic activities and examines opportunities for applying technology to agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services.The findings indicate that technology should not be considered only as a separate IT industry. Instead, digital technologies can be integrated into existing sectors such as agriculture, apparel, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and financial services while simultaneously expanding technology-enabled exports. The paper proposes a technology-led economic development framework based on digital infrastructure, human capital, sectoral technology adoption, digital exports and regional inclusion.The study is based on secondary data and provides a descriptive analysis rather than a causal econometric assessment. It identifies opportunities and constraints and proposes directions for future research and technology-driven economic development in Sri Lanka.