The Cabinet of Ministers has granted policy approval for the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Computing Sri Lanka (CICSL), marking a significant step towards strengthening the professional framework of the country’s information technology sector.

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne said the decision was taken following a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy. The Cabinet has also instructed the Legal Draftsman to prepare the necessary legislation to give effect to the decision.

The proposed move will elevate the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), established in 1976, to chartered status, placing it on par with other chartered professional bodies in the country.

Speaking on the decision, the Deputy Minister said the CSSL has served as Sri Lanka’s principal professional body for the computing sector for nearly five decades, and that chartered status would strengthen its role in supporting the country’s digital transformation.

He said the new institute is expected to promote professional excellence, encourage research and innovation, support technological advancement, and strengthen capacity development within the information technology sector.

Weeraratne further noted that the establishment of a chartered professional institute for the computing profession is a key component of Sri Lanka’s DIGIECON 2030 vision, aimed at ensuring that IT professionals are recognised and equipped to meet the demands of an evolving global digital economy.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building the institutional framework required to support a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive digital economy.