KATHMANDU/ In a historic move poised to reshape the technological landscape of South Asia, Nepal and Sri Lanka have formally launched the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Alliance 2025, a strategic bilateral partnership designed to accelerate digital transformation, boost innovation, and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
The visionary initiative was conceptualized by Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of the CAN Federation, with strong academic backing from Mr. Omkar Basnet, Central Executive Member. A comprehensive proposal outlining the alliance's framework was officially handed over to Mrs. Chameera Munasinghe, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu, symbolizing a major step forward in regional ICT collaboration.
Key Pillars of Cooperation
The alliance outlines a multi-faceted collaboration across critical digital domains:
1. Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Business Council:
A bilateral platform will be established by the CAN Federation, Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), and ICTA Sri Lanka to facilitate structured dialogue, joint ventures, and business matchmaking in areas such as fintech, AI, cybersecurity, and outsourcing.
2. Startup and Innovation Ventures:
The framework promotes joint startup incubation and co-investment opportunities, leveraging Sri Lankan venture capital and accelerator support to empower Nepali startups in AI, health tech, agritech, and related sectors.
3. Mutual Recognition of IT Certifications:
To bridge the regional skill gap, both nations will recognize each other’s IT certifications and training programs, facilitating professional mobility across borders.
4. Outsourcing and Talent Exchange:
Enhanced collaboration in software development, cloud computing, BPO, and cybersecurity services is expected to improve cost-efficiency and service quality through talent exchange programs.
5. Cybersecurity Cooperation:
Nepal’s npCert and Sri Lanka CERT will join hands in cybersecurity threat intelligence sharing, incident response, and capacity building to strengthen digital resilience.
6. ICT Expos and Trade Missions:
Both countries will co-host ICT expos and business summits. Events like Nepal’s CAN InfoTech, B2B Summit, and Startup Expo, and Sri Lanka’s Trade Expo and Policy Dialogues will see cross-national participation to foster innovation and investment.
7. Bilateral ICT Innovation Fund:
Discussions are underway to launch a joint fund to finance research, product development, and digital commercialization initiatives, fueling the innovation ecosystem.
8. Academic and Research Collaboration:
Top ICT institutions from both countries will sign MoUs to enable faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and collaborative development in emerging tech fields such as AI, blockchain, and data science.
9. Digital Policy Harmonization:
To promote seamless digital trade, the alliance commits to harmonizing policies related to data protection, e-commerce, digital identity, and regulatory standards.
Vision for a Digital Future
The long-term ambition of the partnership is the creation of a Nepal–Sri Lanka Digital Corridor—a comprehensive framework integrating infrastructure, cloud services, and policy alignment. This corridor is envisioned to position both countries as complementary digital hubs of South Asia.
“This alliance is more than just cooperation; it is a shared commitment to transforming South Asia’s digital destiny,” said Mr. Chandra Bilash Bhurtel, General Secretary of the CAN Federation.
With growing demand for regional integration and digital empowerment, the Nepal–Sri Lanka ICT Alliance 2025 stands as a beacon of technological collaboration and mutual growth in the heart of South Asia.
