Global technology solutions provider NCINGA, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), convened over 100 of the nation's top government and enterprise leaders at the inaugural "GROUNDED: Sovereign Cloud Symposium" on June 17. The event introduced AWS Outposts, a hybrid cloud solution that brings the full power of AWS securely within Sri Lanka's borders, finally aligning rapid digital transformation with stringent data residency and security requirements. Signalling a shift from basic cloud adoption to strategic architecture, the symposium reinforced a foundational truth: successful digital nations combine Global Innovation with National Ownership and Local Capability. Leaders emphasised that a nation cannot simply procure digital excellence off a shelf; it must be architected with sovereign intent and built with homegrown talent to ensure economic resilience and secure public service delivery.

Setting the national agenda, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy, framed the discussion within the government's audacious goal to grow the digital economy by 5X to over 15 billion by 2030. He outlined the country’s core technology principles of Cloud−First, AI−First, and a primacy for Horizontal Systems, designed to break down data silos and speed up the delivery of citizen services. He specifically recognised hybrid models like AWS Outposts as the "best of both worlds," bringing global−scale innovation into a secure, resident environment to unlock a $25 billion value creation opportunity.

Endorsing the state's commitment, Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister to the Digital Economy, positioned digitalisation as the critical path for Sri Lanka to "leapfrog" its economic development. He detailed the government's formal Cloud-First policy and expressed a clear national ambition for Sri Lanka to become a regional data centre hub.



Central Panel Discussion on Accelerating Digital Public Infrastructure, moderated by Vajira Wijesinghe (Group MD, NCINGA) with panelists Pete Herlihy (DPI Lead, AWS), Steve Dodd (CDO of MAS Holdings), Ishari Siriwardane (GM of Digital Transformation at SLT-Mobitel) and Jayantha Fernando (Partner, Heritage Partners).

The symposium's central panel discussion, moderated by Vajira Wijesinghe, Group MD of NCINGA, translated high-level strategy into executable action. Industry leaders Pete Herlihy (Digital Public Infrastructure Lead, AWS), Steve Dodd (CDO of MAS Holdings), Jayantha Fernando (Partner, Heritage Partners), and Ishari Siriwardane (General Manager of Digital Transformation Projects at SLT-Mobitel) debated the core challenges of balancing sovereignty with speed, tackling the national tech talent bottleneck, and financing digital transformation at scale.

Providing crucial context, sessions from AWS leaders Mayank Arora, leading Government, Education, and Transportation for AWS in India & South Asia, and Raja Rajaram, Hybrid Cloud Business Leader for AWS in APJ, detailed the practical path forward, sharing public sector success stories from across the region and presenting a deep dive into the AWS Outposts architecture for achieving a truly consistent hybrid cloud experience.

Imal Kalutotage, Founder and Chairman of NCINGA stated, “This a historic moment for the country where a hyperscaler like AWS showing their commitment to invest in Sri Lanka. We moved beyond why we need digital transformation to how we architect it for a sovereign nation.

Through our partnership with AWS and our deep commitment to Sri Lanka, NCINGA is not just providing technology; we are building the foundational pillars that will support our nation’s economic aspirations for decades to come.”



An audience full of senior public sector leaders engaged in the sessions.

The event concluded with interactive showcases of the NCINGA AI Factory and AWS Outposts, providing a tangible roadmap for how public and private sector entities can begin their modernisation journey immediately, without compromising on security or sovereignty.

Sources : LMD, DailyFT