Advocating for the Adoption of Modern Technologies like Artificial Intelligence is Essential for Achieving Future Social and Economic Goals in the Nation.

Resident Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of advancing modern technologies, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI), to achieve future social and economic goals in the country. He announced the launch of a program scheduled to begin next year, with the aim to spread AI across various sectors within five years. The President emphasized the crucial role of the university system in this endeavor.

These statements were made during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon (30), involving university scholars discussing the integration of AI technology in Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also emphasized the need to shift from an import-dependent economy to an export-oriented one to safeguard the nation’s economic stability.

Noting the critical timeframe between 2027 and 2040 to address foreign debt obligations, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the significant transformation required in the Sri Lankan economy by 2035 to meet these obligations. In line with these economic objectives, he reiterated his commitment to promoting the adoption of modern technologies like AI in the country.

During the discussion, a proposal developed by several university professors and scholars on the application of AI technology was presented to the President. The scholars pointed out that several universities have already undertaken numerous AI projects and briefed the President on the progress and goals of these initiatives.

President Wickremesinghe further stated:

“Sri Lanka needs to advance in terms of technology. We are significantly behind and have not utilized our knowledge for economic gain. Therefore, AI is the new frontier, and we cannot afford to lag in this domain. Progress in AI will pave the way for advancements in other technologies. In my opinion, AI will encompass all technologies.

Our future steps will be judged by how we utilize AI. Sri Lanka cannot afford to fall behind in this area. We must avoid repeating the mistakes made with IT in the past. Despite initiatives like Syntech, we failed to implement these technologies nationwide, causing us to lag behind other countries.

Reflecting on my experience of initiating computer education in 1984, although we introduced Sinclair computers, our efforts were not widespread and took a long time to materialize. However, that is in the past. Now, we must catch up. AI should lead the way.

At present, I am collaborating with the Ministry of Technology to establish a Digital Transformation Agency. This agency will not only focus on IT but will also facilitate social and economic transformation through digitalization, aiming for a digital economy.

Collaboration between the Economic Commission, Ministry of Finance, and subsequent application to the social sphere will be crucial. Additionally, within this agency, there will be a separate autonomous body called the National AI Centre, focusing on AI applications in various fields and as an economic activity. The corresponding act is currently being drafted.

Furthermore, we are setting up a Technology Development Council to promote commercial research, separate from the Science and Technology Fund, which focuses on fundamental research. We need to ensure successful ventures by evaluating the returns on our investments. While some funds have been allocated, most remain unused this year. However, we will carry these funds forward to the next year for projects.

Regarding AI initiatives, progress may begin in the second half of the year, with collaborations such as with Syntec. Efforts are underway to involve the private sector. We are at an early stage, but steps are being taken to engage directly with the Ministry, involving the Secretary and the State Minister.

I have proposed the establishment of AI clubs in schools and the integration of AI into university curricula instead of creating separate AI departments. Additionally, I am advocating for the establishment of engineering departments in universities that do not have them. Four new universities focused on technology are under consideration. These include the Galaha campus of the Chennai Institute of Technology, Kurunegala University, Sithavaka University, and potentially another university in partnership with a foreign institution.

Moreover, I am contemplating allocating funds for dedicated research on AI and Buddhism, exploring the convergence of natural and artificially created intelligence. This initiative welcomes participation from all interested parties.

In the next five years, our aim is to excel in AI and transition from an import-dependent to an export-dependent economy. Discussions with the IMF are ongoing, and we have until 2040 to repay existing debts. However, given our reliance on imports, we may accumulate more debt, necessitating a significant economic transformation by 2035, where AI will play a crucial role.

Promoting technology is essential for Sri Lanka’s economic future. AI, being global rather than territorial, offers us an opportunity to excel and make a mark, particularly in comparison to other South Asian countries. While India may have the largest number of individuals involved in AI, we aim to have a higher percentage of our population engaged in technology overall. Advancements in Agriculture 4 will also benefit from these technological innovations, especially for small-scale farmers.”

Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe, Chairman of National Television and creator of the first television program utilizing AI technology, also addressed the event. The gathering included university lecturers and scholars, as well as Mr. Randula Abeyweera, the Presidential Director on Youth Affairs and Sustainable Development, alongside other participants.