Sri Lanka’s AI Imperative: Why It Matters Now

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, Sri Lanka faces a myriad of pressing challenges.
from mounting debt, increasing energy demand, climate change, to an aging population and
threats to our democracy and security. The recent economic crisis has further underscored the
need for transformative solutions that can drive economic restructuring, alleviate poverty, and
create new opportunities for our workforce. Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents an unparalleled
opportunity to address these challenges head-on, optimize resource allocation, enhance
productivity, and foster inclusive growth.
AI systems can synthesize vast amounts of data and extract valuable insights, which can
complement the expertise of human decision-makers. Across the globe, we see numerous
instances of AI playing a transformative role in critical domains such as health, public safety, poverty
alleviation, disaster management, and environmental protection. For example, AI systems have
contributed to preventing water system pollution in the U.S.,
2 expanding access to justice in Uganda, 3
improving traffic safety in Indonesia, 4. streamlining hospital workflows in Pakistan, 5. augmenting disaster
preparedness in India,⁶ and mapping poverty levels in Africa.
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Recognizing this potential, many countries have already invested heavily in AI research and
talent development. In nations like Singapore, where these efforts have been championed and coordinated by the highest levels of government, the dividends have been substantial.
enhancing their global economic competitiveness. These countries have also recognized that
the true benefits of AI lie in its widespread adoption and application across various sectors—
and across society and the economy. Sri Lanka is uniquely placed to learn from these global
examples and approaches to harness AI’s potential in decision-making processes, to enhance
public services, transform private-sector offerings, and revitalize the economy. Whether in
healthcare, education, transportation, or agriculture, AI can improve service quality, accessibility,
and personalization for all segments of society, thereby helping us to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
However, we must also consider the broader implications of AI, including ethical, societal,
and economic issues such as the generation of synthetic multi-modal content that blurs
the line between reality and fiction, intellectual property concerns, market competition, job
displacement, and environmental impact. These issues are complex and still evolving globally.
requiring ongoing study and international cooperation. By staying informed and proactive, Sri
Lanka can develop appropriate strategies to address these challenges effectively.


To fully realize the transformative potential of AI and its role in achieving the SDGs, it is critical
that all Sri Lankans engage with this technology and understand how it will shape their lives in
the coming years. To achieve this, we must foster a culture of AI literacy and empowerment.
ensuring that our citizens are aware of the benefits, challenges, risks, and implications of this
technology. By demystifying AI and promoting public understanding, we can create a platform of
trust, where citizens feel confident and empowered to make informed choices on incorporating
AI-driven solutions into their daily lives. This will also unlock AI’s potential to drive inclusive
growth, improve quality of life, and build a more equitable and prosperous society, in line with
the SDGs’ overarching goal of leaving no one behind.


In the wake of the economic crisis, harnessing the power of AI is not merely an option, but a
necessity for Sri Lanka’s future. By integrating AI-driven solutions into public service delivery,
optimizing resource allocation, reducing costs, and improving the overall effectiveness of
government services, we can navigate the challenges posed by the economic crisis and lay
the foundation for a more resilient, responsive, and citizen-centric government in the long run.
These important foundations and enablers can also catalyse our digital economy, shaping an
exciting new generation of digital entrepreneurs and enterprises in Sri Lanka.


Moreover, AI is critical for Sri Lanka’s ability to compete on the global stage. Sri Lankan companies
are increasingly facing intense international competition and the looming threat of disruption
driven by AI. Global leaders in AI have leveraged data, resources, talent, and leadership to
continuously widen their competitive lead. To remain competitive, create new opportunities,
and contribute to the country’s economic recovery, it is imperative that we develop a coherent
and comprehensive AI strategy, invest in AI capabilities, and encourage and support the private
sector to accelerate their investments in AI. By doing so, we can strengthen our economic
resilience, foster innovation, and secure Sri Lanka’s position in the global market.

Sri Lanka must develop an AI strategy that focuses on adoption from the very beginning. By
prioritizing the integration of AI into our public services, businesses, and organizations, we can
unlock the full potential of this technology and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. It is
It is crucial to acknowledge that the successful adoption of AI in Sri Lanka requires a collective effort
from a wide range of stakeholders, including the government, private sector, academia, and
civil society. While the government plays a vital role in creating an enabling environment and
providing strategic direction, the responsibility for driving AI adoption lies with individual
organizations and companies. Our AI strategy must provide clear direction and support for key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, public servants.
and innovators. This will enable them to drive the growth of Sri Lanka’s AI sector and adapt to the
rapidly changing landscape, and harness the power of AI to improve the lives of our citizens
and accomplish SDGs.