By: Staff Writer

November 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is implementing an integrated smart city initiative, with the aim of merging digital technologies in daily life, enhancing efficiency and sustainability while improving the quality of living among citizens.

It finds its flagship example in the Colombo Port City project, which is being developed incorporating sustainable design and smart city principles.

The development boasts five signature precincts, namely the Financial District, Central Park Living, and The Marina, all coming together to seal its position within Sri Lanka’s blueprint for an intelligent tomorrow.

In this transformation process, the most important role is being played by the “National Digital Economy Strategy 2030”, which targets intensive digital literacy across the board to trigger innovation and attract investment.

 Included in these initiatives are the need for enhanced digital skills and technological fluency to ensure access for all citizens to the benefits accruable from a smart city.

Key elements in making the flourishment of a smart city include inclusive urban planning and engaging a cross-section of stakeholders, from government officials to local communities. In this way, such a participative approach will make sure that technological advancement serves the needs of all citizens.

Bringing together scholars and practitioners from various disciplines is very important also to make sure that smart technology benefits all strata of the population.

 In this instance, research and development also involve health impact assessments and the tuning of projects for various stakeholder needs.

The most recognizable project under this program is “A Smarter Sri Lanka,” in collaboration with Sri Lanka Telecom.

This program, so far, has integrated smart technology from smart TVs and homes to smart lighting systems with the intention of creating a networked society where people’s lifestyles are seamlessly connected to essential services.

Its increasing participation in international forums, such as the Thailand Smart City Expo 2024, is a mark of its presence in the international smart technology playground.

It was organized by DEPA, the digital economy promotion agency of Thailand in association with N.C.C Management, making it the biggest smart city exhibition in Southeast Asia with innovation exhibits in telecommunications, energy, urban living, industry, mobility, the environment, and healthcare.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand arranged free exhibition space for local companies during the exposition and they were allowed to show their capabilities.

Companies like Venora Lanka Power Panels Ltd. and Azend Technologies Ltd. have displayed products in smart energy management, automation, and telecommunications, indicating Sri Lanka’s competitive advantage in the international arena within the technology sector.

 Smart city developments aim to enhance citizens’ well-being, promote sustainable environments, and upgrade public services through digital technologies such as AI.

Nevertheless, this movement toward digitization imposes potential risks on deepened inequalities in the case of a lack of consideration for inclusivity.

Open, participatory planning will be essential in order to ensure that smart city projects serve a range of diverse needs and support wellbeing and inclusive growth.