March 19, Colombo, LNW: At the Presidential Secretariat, a significant step was taken as the Ministry of Education and Microsoft Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum. This partnership marks the inception of a pilot project aimed at offering students above grade 8 the opportunity to explore AI within the field of Information Technology.
The pilot project, set to commence in 20 selected schools across 20 districts, pledges to provide conducive classrooms and essential technical equipment. Microsoft has committed to deploying a dedicated team to support online educational activities as part of this initiative.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha exchanged the agreement with Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft’s India and South Asia region. Prior to the signing, discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Microsoft representatives at the President’s Office highlighted the company’s steadfast support for incorporating AI into the educational framework.
Puneet Chandok expressed gratitude for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership in driving Sri Lanka’s progress through the integration of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
Minister Premajayantha disclosed that the program aims for full implementation by 2025. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mrs. Julie Chung, emphasized the significant opportunity this initiative presents for Sri Lankans and urged all to embrace it to its fullest potential. She also mentioned forthcoming support from volunteer groups aimed at enhancing English language skills among citizens and schoolchildren.
Distinguished guests including State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as representatives from educational institutions and Microsoft, attended the event. Notable attendees included Wasantha Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dharmasiri Kumaratunga, Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, and officials from educational institutions such as D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, along with students, teachers, and principals from Muslim Ladies’ College.
