October 12, 2024

Namal Rajapaksa’s manifesto presents a forward-thinking vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, with a clear focus on blockchain, Web3 technologies, and cryptocurrency. His roadmap positions Sri Lanka as a technology-driven nation, embracing innovations that are reshaping the global financial and technological landscape. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, blockchain developers, and Web3 industry participants, Namal’s manifesto outlines several key initiatives that promise to drive Sri Lanka’s future as a leader in the digital revolution. Here are the main takeaways:

1. Positioning Sri Lanka as a Blockchain Hub

One of Namal Rajapaksa’s core objectives is to establish Sri Lanka as a regional hub for blockchain technology. Recognizing the transformative power of decentralized systems, he aims to leverage blockchain to revolutionize public services, enhance transparency, and create a more efficient government structure. Rajapaksa’s manifesto outlines plans to integrate blockchain into various sectors of governance, starting with the Electronic National Identity Card system, which will use blockchain for secure, real-time data exchange between government institutions. This system will be a foundation for building a digital government where citizens can access public services seamlessly​.

In addition to public service applications, Namal’s vision includes using blockchain to support e-governance and creating a secure, transparent framework for managing government transactions. His manifesto commits to providing Sri Lankan developers and startups with the necessary infrastructure to foster blockchain innovation and lead the region in blockchain-based governance and technology​.

2. Supporting Cryptocurrency Adoption

Namal Rajapaksa’s manifesto takes a progressive stance on cryptocurrency, acknowledging its growing global importance. He emphasizes creating a legal and regulatory framework that will foster the development of a digital currency ecosystem in Sri Lanka. This framework will not only facilitate cryptocurrency exchanges and digital asset trading but also integrate these technologies into Sri Lanka’s broader financial system, thereby promoting financial inclusion and international investment.

The manifesto stresses that cryptocurrency will play a crucial role in expanding economic freedom for Sri Lankan citizens, enabling access to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and reducing the country’s reliance on traditional financial institutions. Namal’s commitment to innovation includes ensuring that Sri Lanka remains competitive in the global cryptocurrency market while establishing safeguards against potential risks​.

3. Accelerating Web3 Integration

Namal’s manifesto highlights the potential of Web3 technologies, which represent the next phase of the internet with a focus on decentralization. He envisions Sri Lanka embracing Web3 to drive innovation and create decentralized solutions for sectors like finance, governance, and digital identity management. The manifesto emphasizes leveraging Web3 infrastructure to create decentralized applications (dApps), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and smart contracts that will transform how public and private sectors operate.

Rajapaksa’s vision includes supporting the development of ICT Clusters to provide young entrepreneurs and developers with the tools and resources to innovate in the Web3 space. By nurturing a culture of technological entrepreneurship, Sri Lanka can become a regional leader in Web3 development and attract global talent and investment​.

4. Fostering Blockchain and Crypto Startups

Startups are critical to driving technological innovation, and Namal Rajapaksa’s manifesto places significant emphasis on supporting blockchain and crypto-focused entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka will create Tech Parks and Innovation Hubs designed to provide a nurturing ecosystem for startups. These hubs will focus on blockchain technologies, offering financial incentives, mentorship, and infrastructure to accelerate innovation in the field.

The manifesto also highlights initiatives aimed at empowering youth financially through blockchain-related entrepreneurship. By providing access to capital, education, and markets, Rajapaksa plans to create a robust ecosystem where young innovators can develop blockchain solutions that cater to both local and international markets​​.

5. Regulatory Reforms for the Digital Economy

Namal Rajapaksa’s manifesto stresses the importance of creating regulatory clarity for blockchain and cryptocurrency, which will enable these technologies to flourish in a secure environment. His manifesto outlines a commitment to modernizing Sri Lanka’s financial and legal systems to accommodate the unique needs of digital assets and blockchain. This includes developing a legal framework that ensures transparency, protects consumers, and mitigates the risks associated with digital currencies.

The manifesto envisions a transparent, ICT-based procurement system that aligns with international standards, preventing fraud and ensuring the responsible use of blockchain in both the public and private sectors. By creating a predictable regulatory environment, Rajapaksa hopes to attract global blockchain and crypto investors, making Sri Lanka a go-to destination for digital economy ventures​.

6. Promoting Digital Identity and Data Security

Rajapaksa’s manifesto underscores the need for secure digital identities, which are foundational to the broader digital transformation of the country. His vision includes a blockchain-based Digital Identity System that will securely store citizens’ data, facilitating more efficient interactions with government services and ensuring data integrity. This initiative is part of a broader push to implement e-governance solutions, where blockchain can enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and streamline public service delivery​.

By adopting blockchain for digital identity, Sri Lanka can protect its citizens’ privacy while enabling new applications in sectors like voting, healthcare, and financial services. This approach aligns with Namal Rajapaksa’s goal of creating a secure, connected, and future-ready digital infrastructure for all Sri Lankans​.

7. Investing in Blockchain Education and Skill Development

Recognizing the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills to lead in blockchain and Web3 innovation, Rajapaksa’s manifesto places a strong emphasis on digital education. His vision includes establishing ICT-based education clusters that provide training in blockchain development, cryptocurrency management, and Web3 technologies. These clusters will help prepare Sri Lanka’s youth for careers in the global digital economy, ensuring that the country has a highly skilled workforce capable of leading in blockchain innovation​​.

Conclusion

Namal Rajapaksa’s manifesto sets an ambitious agenda for Sri Lanka to become a leader in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 technologies. By creating a supportive regulatory environment, investing in infrastructure and education, and embracing decentralized technologies, Rajapaksa aims to drive Sri Lanka’s transformation into a digital economy powerhouse. For blockchain enthusiasts and industry participants, his manifesto offers a clear and promising path forward—one that places Sri Lanka at the forefront of the digital revolution.


For a deeper understanding of Namal Rajapaksa’s vision for the future of Sri Lanka, we encourage you to read the full Namal Vision 2025-2035 manifesto. It offers comprehensive insights into his strategies for economic growth, digital innovation, sports development, and more. To stay up-to-date with campaign news, events, and initiatives, download the Namal Connect app today and be a part of the journey toward a prosperous Sri Lanka.