- On August 16, 2025, Sri Lanka announced the establishment of the National AI Fund with an initial capital of Rs 100 million ($333,000), aimed at fostering innovation and contributing to the goal of building a $15 billion digital economy by 2030.
- The government aims for a five-fold growth in the digital economy over five years, with AI as a key pillar. AI is expected to generate
1.5–1.5–1.8 billion, equivalent to 10–12% of the digital economy. - Mr. Mothilal de Silva, Chairman of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), stated that SLT-Mobitel is transforming from a traditional telecom operator to a technology platform, leveraging existing infrastructure such as a nationwide fiber optic network, 5G network, and AI-upgradable data centers to deploy real-time AI applications.
- Speaking at the AI Expo & Conference 2025 (September 29–30 in Colombo, co-organized with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Huawei), Mr. De Silva affirmed: “The question is not whether AI will change the world, but whether Sri Lanka will lead or follow.”
- The AI Expo will bring together international experts, showcase AI applications in health, education, agriculture, and organize mini expos in Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Galle, and Kandy to expand community outreach.
- The government is calling for collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors to build Sri Lanka into a center for innovative and responsible AI.
- Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy, revealed that a draft national AI policy is being formulated. The AI advisory committee is focusing on strategy, infrastructure, regulation, citizen rights, and safety principles in the AI era.
- He emphasized that with principles of protection and responsible application, AI can bring profound changes, boosting the digital economy and public services.
📌 Sri Lanka has established the National AI Fund worth Rs 100 million (333.000 USD) to foster innovation, aiming for a 15 billion digital economy by 2030, with AI contributing 10–12% (1.5–1.5–
1.8 billion). SLT’s 5G, fiber optic, and data center infrastructure will serve as the foundation. The AI Expo 2025 in Colombo and its satellite events will promote international cooperation, while the government prepares a national AI policy to ensure sustainable and responsible development.
