The Government of Sri Lanka has inaugurated decision support systems for the fisheries and plantation industries as part of its Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation Programme, aimed at improving governance through data-driven decision-making.
The Sri Lankan Government has completed the development and handover of two significant digital platforms designed to strengthen data management and evidence-based governance in the fisheries and plantation sectors. The initiative, known as the Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation Programme or IDAT, represents a core component of the country's broader digital transformation strategy.
The Fisheries Sector Decision Support System consolidates information from six government institutions, including the National Aquaculture Development Authority, Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, Cey-Nor Foundation, North Sea Ltd. and the Central Fish Market in Colombo. The integrated platform offers dashboards, analytics tools, monitoring capabilities and automated alerts to assist with decisions related to production, aquaculture, market dynamics, operational efficiency, sustainability and resource management. According to the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, the system represents a modernisation step that will improve planning, forecasting and resource allocation across the sector.
A parallel system has been established for the plantation sector, drawing data from the Sri Lanka Tea Board, Tea Small Holdings Development Authority, Rubber Development Department, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and the Coconut and Cashew development authorities. Officials stated the platform will enhance coordination between institutions and support long-term strategic planning in an economically important sector.
The IDAT Consortium, comprising government ministries, civil society organisations and technology firms, oversaw the programme's delivery. Officials emphasised that the systems demonstrate how digital infrastructure and integrated data can strengthen institutional efficiency, transparency and economic resilience while supporting Sri Lanka's digital economy objectives.
