ICT Samachar
In a landmark move toward accelerating South Asia's digital transformation, Nepal and Sri Lanka have officially launched a strategic ICT (Information and Communication Technology) partnership under the banner Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Alliance 2025. The initiative, aimed at fostering innovation, promoting economic cooperation, and driving digital development, marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations and regional tech integration.
The conceptual framework of this historic collaboration was initiated by Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of CAN Federation, Nepal’s leading ICT association. The proposal was officially handed over to Mrs. Chameera Munasinghe, Charge d' Affairs at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu. Also present at the event was Omkar Basnet, Academic Expert and Central Executive Member of CAN Federation, signaling a strong academic backing to the initiative.
The alliance is built on nine strategic pillars that aim to transform the ICT landscape of both countries and foster greater regional synergy. A joint business council will be formed in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s SLASSCOM and ICTA. The council will focus on promoting structured dialogue, business matchmaking, and collaboration in critical areas like fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and outsourcing.
The alliance emphasizes co-investment and incubation programs, encouraging Sri Lankan venture capitalists and accelerators to support Nepali startups in AI, health tech, agritech, and fintech. This will provide much-needed funding and market access to emerging tech enterprises.
Both nations have agreed to recognize each other’s IT training and certification programs, creating a more mobile and skilled workforce. This will help bridge skill gaps and open cross-border employment opportunities.
The partnership will support bilateral outsourcing and structured talent exchange in software development, cloud computing, and BPO services, focusing on cost-efficiency and quality.
Nepal’s npCert and Sri Lanka’s CERT will jointly work on threat intelligence, incident response, and cybersecurity capacity building to bolster regional digital resilience.
Both nations will co-host ICT expos and summits such as CAN InfoTech, Startup Expo, and Sri Lanka’s Trade Expo and Policy Dialogues. These events will offer networking and investment opportunities for startups and tech firms.
Plans are underway to launch a joint ICT Innovation Fund aimed at supporting collaborative research, tech commercialization, and digital product development.
MoUs between top ICT universities from both countries will foster joint research, faculty/student exchanges, and collaboration in AI, blockchain, and data analytics.
Efforts will be made to align policies on data protection, digital identity, e-commerce, and cross-border services to facilitate smoother digital trade and governance.
At the heart of the initiative is the vision to establish a Nepal–Sri Lanka Digital Corridor — a long-term project to develop interconnected internet infrastructure, shared cloud services, and digital platforms that will enable both nations to emerge as key digital hubs in South Asia. This strategic alliance underlines the shared commitment of Nepal and Sri Lanka to unlocking the transformative potential of ICT for mutual prosperity and broader regional development.
