Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, former CEO of Axiata Group, has been appointed as Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The appointment, which took place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on November 1, represents a significant stride towards Sri Lanka’s digital economic transformation, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
In response to this new role, Axiata Group Berhad announced on Friday that Dr. Wijayasuriya will step down from his executive roles as CEO of the Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director, effective January 15, 2025. Axiata’s Board has acknowledged his decision, and Dr. Wijayasuriya will continue his duties during a transition period, including assisting with Axiata’s projects and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital initiatives on a non-executive advisory basis.
Dr. Wijayasuriya has spent over 30 years with Axiata and its predecessor Telekom Malaysia, managing telecommunication operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. A past Board Director of GSMA, Dr. Wijayasuriya is recognized for his contributions to technological advancements in the mobile industry, earning the 2024 GSMA Chairman’s Award for his outstanding impact on the global mobile industry.
His advisory role to the President aims to leverage this extensive experience to guide Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and economic modernization efforts.