SLASSCOM AI Asia Summit 2025 strengthens SL’s position as an emerging AI innovation hub

The sixth edition of SLASSCOM’s AI Asia Summit 2025 concluded in Colombo, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s advancement as a regional hub for applied artificial intelligence (AI). 

Themed ‘AI in Action’, the summit drew more than 400 attendees, 31 global and regional speakers and 18 specialised sessions showcasing the future of AI-driven transformation across Asia.

One of the summit’s standout highlights was the launch of Xavier, Sri Lanka’s first locally conceived and engineered AI-driven robotics platform, developed by Xavier AI. The launch demonstrates Sri Lanka’s growing deep-tech capability and signals its potential to compete within Asia’s fast-moving AI landscape.

A distinguished line-up of policymakers and technology experts contributed to the summit’s discussions on innovation, governance and AI’s role in national competitiveness. Featured speakers included India’s Electronics and IT Ministry Secretary Shri S. Krishnan, Digital Economy Ministry Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, Chief Advisor to President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya and Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation CEO Prakash Kumar. 

Kumar delivered the opening keynote, outlining how AI is enabling more efficient governments, transforming public service delivery and creating new opportunities for regional collaboration.

Reflecting on the summit’s impact, SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne stated, “AI Asia Summit 2025 demonstrated not just the potential of AI but the determination of Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem to lead, innovate and shape the future. The expertise and energy showcased this year reaffirm that we are firmly on the path to becoming a regional powerhouse and AI innovation hub.”

AI Asia Summit 2025 reaffirmed SLASSCOM’s commitment to building a sustained national movement toward AI adoption — strengthening talent, industry capability and policy alignment to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital economy.