Five-year National AI Strategy to be unveiled in May

Sri Lanka is set to unveil a five-year National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy in May to drive innovation, economic growth and societal progress across the nation.
The National AI Strategy is a key output of the Committee to Formulate a Strategy for AI. “As we approach this crucial milestone, your feedback is essential to ensure the strategy meets the diverse needs of our nation,” Committee on Formulating a Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (CFSAI) Chairperson Dr. Romesh Ranawana announced. 

The white paper available on public domain provides an analysis of the prevailing challenges to AI’s rollout in Sri Lanka, proposing a strategic framework to capitalise on AI for societal benefit, elevate living standards, and maintain the nation’s competitive edge. The public is invited to share their ideas insights and perspectives through “dir_it@mot.gov.lk” till the 26th of April 2024.

 The white paper underscores the imperative of fostering an AI ecosystem conducive to innovation, educational advancement, ethical technology practices, and synergistic alliances between the government, academia, private sector, civil society, and development partners and institutions. This initiative is aimed at establishing Sri Lanka as a leader in the effective and responsible use of AI.

The government allocated Rs.1.5 billion in the 2024 National Budget. In addition it proposed to build a National AI Centre that will be designed and created aligning with the Digital Strategy 2030, to orchestrate AI endeavours nationwide.
Sri Lanka is currently ranked 95th out of 193 countries in the Oxford Insights’ 2023 Government AI Readiness Index, marking a ten-place improvement since 2022.