September 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming into a digitally empowered nation, with an emphasis on education, innovation, and inclusive access to technology, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya announced at the opening of the country’s first-ever National AI Expo 2025.
Addressing a gathering of innovators, educators, and tech industry leaders in Battaramulla, the Prime Minister highlighted that the cornerstone of this transformation lies in equipping the population with skills aligned with the demands of modern technology.
The National AI Expo, held on 29 and 30 September, brings together experts, businesses, and students under one roof to showcase and explore the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, the event serves as a catalyst for AI integration across sectors, whilst also targeting early engagement by introducing AI tools to students and fostering partnerships between research institutions and private enterprises.
“Artificial intelligence is not merely an emerging field—it is already shaping the decisions we make as individuals, businesses, and governments,” Dr Amarasuriya noted during her keynote speech. “Our vision is not simply to adapt to this change, but to lead it.”
She outlined a bold roadmap to grow Sri Lanka’s digital economy to USD 15 billion by 2030, representing 12% of the national GDP. This includes a target of USD 5 billion in digital exports and the development of a skilled digital workforce of 200,000 professionals.
As part of this wider strategy, the government has designated September as ‘Digital Economy Month’—a move aimed at raising awareness and enthusiasm for digital transformation throughout the country. A series of exhibitions, workshops, and training programmes are being held to encourage the adoption of digital tools in both public and private sectors.
In the education sphere, reforms are already underway. Artificial intelligence, robotics, and environmental sciences are being added to the national curriculum, with a comprehensive effort to train 100,000 teachers and equip classrooms with smart learning technology.
“Empowering every citizen—from schoolchildren to entrepreneurs—with access to digital tools is essential. Our reforms are not just about infrastructure, but about fostering a new mindset,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr Amarasuriya also drew attention to several government-led digital service initiatives, including the expansion of GovPay for online transactions such as traffic fines, and the launch of aigov.lk, a national AI platform intended to support emerging sectors and streamline government services.
On the question of security and trust in the digital space, she confirmed that a national cyber security strategy and operations centre is currently being implemented to ensure safe access to e-services and digital markets.
The overarching goal, she stressed, is to position Sri Lanka as a regional hub for digital services in South Asia—an ecosystem where tech entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational investors can thrive in a connected, secure, and innovation-driven economy.
