Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad met with the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a multilateral organization affiliated to the UN, Deemah AlYahya and held productive discussion on ways and means for collaboration in the field of digital economy. The meeting was held at the DCO headquarters in Riyadh on 27.07.2025.
While appreciating Ambassador’s visit to the DCO headquarters, the Secretary General provided a comprehensive and an insightful briefing on the mandate and the activities being successfully carried out by the DCO in promoting digitally empowered future for all. Secretary General further highlighted that given Sri Lanka’s bold commitment to digital transformation which is both people-centered and globally oriented, Sri Lanka is well poised to play a significant role in the digital innovation space.
In response, while appreciating the vital role played by the DCO towards the realization of meaningful digital transformation, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad briefed the DCO Secretary General on the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to the digital economy by establishing a standalone Ministry for Digital Economy headed by the President of Sri Lanka himself. He also outlined the key policy reforms currently underway including the National Digital Economy Strategy in order to advance e-government, digital trade, and startup growth in the country.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad also shared the details of the forthcoming Disrupt Asia -2025 Conference, Sri Lanka’s premier startup conference and innovation festival where visionaries, investors, and disruptors come together to shape the future, scheduled to be held in Colombo from 17 – 20 September 2025. Ambassador handed over a letter of invitation extended by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne to the DCO Secretary General to participate at the Disrupt Asia -2025 conference, the objective of which is well-aligned with the vision of the DCO.
Both sides agreed to take forward the productive outcome of the meeting to the next stage and to work closely in order to pursue collaborations in the days ahead with a view to unlocking meaningful opportunities in the digital domain through partnership and sharing expertise and experiences to achieve the shared objectives.
The DCO Secretary-General Deema AlYahya who is the first Saudi woman to hold a leadership position in an international organization, plays a vital role in connecting heads of States, Ministers, and private sector leaders in the digital economy to launch and implement initiatives for an inclusive and sustainable digital future. She was associated with the Director for Stakeholders and Strategic Engagements, Farid Aghamaliyev, Digital Ecosystem and Partnerships Specialist, Mohammed Altai and other high ranking officials of the DCO during the meeting.
Ambassador was accompanied by Mohammed Anas, HoC/Minister and Tashma Vithanawasam, First Secretary/Commerce of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
29.07.2025
