As Sri Lanka accelerates its efforts to build a digital economy, a quiet transformation is underway—one that could reshape how the state identifies, monitors, and delivers services to its people. From biometric digital IDs to data exchange platforms and government-wide cloud systems, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is becoming a defining part of Sri Lanka’s development agenda.

But what are the risks when economic ambition outpaces rights protections?

This report offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s DPI developments, unpacking the motivations behind its digital ID system, payment infrastructure, and data governance models. Drawing lessons from India’s Aadhaar program, the analysis highlights how systems built to include can often exclude—especially when digital design ignores the needs of vulnerable communities.

With limited transparency, growing private sector influence, and the digital future placed under the purview of an all-powerful executive, this report argues for urgent public oversight and civil society involvement.

Download the full report here

By understanding the stakes and pushing for a people-first approach to digital governance, we can shape a future that empowers rather than exploits.