Sri Lanka steps into the quantum era

Professor Anuradha Mahasinghe briefed the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, and the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Upul Sonnadara, about the first quantum computer brought to Sri Lanka

Head of the Department, Professor Anuradha Mahasinghe, along with Professor Asoka S. Karunaratne, Professor Thushari Silva and Sandeepa Alagiyawanna of the University of Moratuwa, attended the opening of the Research and Development Center for Mathematical Modelling of Quantum Computing, affiliated to the Department of Mathematics, University of Colombo

The quantum computer brought to Sri Lanka Photo courtesy: FOS media UOC      

• While challenges remain, the opportunities are immense. With a strong leadership, dedicated research, and international collaboration, Sri Lanka is poised to leverage quantum computing for national progress
• From healthcare innovation to cyber security, the benefits of quantum computing will touch everyday life in profound ways
• University of Colombo unveils Sri Lanka’s first quantum computer,  opening doors to advanced research and education

By Sugath Kulathunga Arachchi

Sri Lanka has opened the gateway to the future of science and technology with the arrival of its first quantum computer. This milestone, unveiled on January 21, at the University of Colombo, marks the beginning of the nation’s quantum age — a transformative step that positions the country alongside global leaders in advanced computing.  
The new facility, the Research and Development Center for Mathematical Modelling, was inaugurated under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka. The event brought together pioneering researcher Professor Anuradha Mahasinghe, along with leading computational mathematicians and technology experts, in a ceremony that marked the historic significance of the achievement.  
The machine behind the milestone  
Sri Lanka’s first quantum computer operates using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and was developed by SpinQ, a leading Chinese company. Globally, SpinQ’s devices are used in top universities to teach and conduct research in quantum computing.  
Unlike conventional computers, quantum machines are designed to perform multiple complex calculations simultaneously. This allows them to process vast amounts of data at an extraordinary speed, solving problems at an unimaginable pace compared to classical computers.   
Transformative potential across disciplines  
The implications of quantum computing extend across nearly every scientific field. In chemistry and biomedical science, quantum computers can simulate molecular behaviour and drug interactions, enabling the rapid and cost-effective development of personalised medicines. In cyber security, they promise new levels of encryption and protection. In physics, engineering, and data science, they open pathways to breakthroughs once thought impossible.  
Professor Mahasinghe emphasised that quantum computers represent “a technological leap so fast that problems unsolvable for centuries by traditional methods can now be cracked within hours.”  
Building a quantum education ecosystem  
The University of Colombo has taken the lead in integrating quantum computing into higher education. Its BSc Honours programme in Computational Mathematics now includes quantum computing as a core subject, blending theoretical and practical research.  
In addition, the university will launch a certificate course in quantum computing this February, opening the field to anyone with an interest in learning. This initiative ensures that Sri Lankan students gain access to internationally recognised quantum education, preparing them to compete in a rapidly evolving global landscape.  
Visionary leadership
The establishment of this facility owes much to the vision of Professor Anuradha Mahasinghe, who pioneered the introduction of quantum computing as an academic discipline in Sri Lanka. His efforts were strongly supported by Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka and Professor Sanjeewa Perera of the Department of Mathematics.  
Together, their leadership has created a foundation for Sri Lanka to harness quantum computing not only for academic advancement but also for national development.  
A future within reach
The arrival of the quantum computer is more than a technological milestone — it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s readiness to embrace the future. From healthcare innovation to cyber security, the benefits of quantum computing will touch everyday life in profound ways.  
While challenges remain, the opportunities are immense. With strong leadership, dedicated research, and international collaboration, Sri Lanka is poised to leverage quantum computing for national progress. “The acquisition of this quantum computer is not just about technology — it is about bringing the distant future directly into our present,” Prof. Mahasinghe pointed out.