From Data Gaps to AI-Powered Governance: Sri Lanka’s Digital Journey

Sri Lanka is taking steps toward AI transformation, but one of the biggest roadblocks remains the lack of structured and clean datasets. This challenge was a key focus during a recent AI Advisory Committee meeting, where subcommittees shared their progress with Deputy Minister Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne and the ICTA Board, led by Chairman Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya in a recent workshop. Encouragingly, despite time constraints, each subcommittee has made notable progress.

Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Chair of the AI Committee, and Mr. Harsha Purasinghe, Convener and ICTA Board Director, initiated the presentations of the subcommittees by introducing the respective teams and providing an overview of each team's mandate. They commended the progress made thus far on the initiatives, despite the limited time available. Dr. Ranawana emphasized that while the journey towards AI transformation in Sri Lanka presents significant challenges, the ongoing discussions and initiatives represent substantial progress. He asserted that collaboration, policy alignment, and a focus on local contexts will be crucial for realizing the full potential of AI.

Sri Lanka's AI journey, the Committee identified, is centered on two parallel tracks:

This dual approach aims to create a robust AI ecosystem that benefits both the public and private sectors.

Raising Awareness about AI

A major concern is the language barrier in communicating AI concepts in Sinhala and Tamil. Ms. Sanjini Munaweera proposed a comprehensive AI awareness website, supported by Prof. Roshan Ragel, who emphasized the need for AI integration into school curricula and capacity-building efforts.

Prof. Asoka Karunananda highlighted the importance of AI-driven R&D to foster economic growth and global leadership. He stressed aligning AI advancements with UN Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring AI remains efficient, fair, and responsible.

Mr. Yasith Fernando and his team identified three pressing challenges in AI implementation, particularly in the public sector:

   1. Limited access to local datasets

   2. Low culture of data-driven decision-making

   3. Fragmented digital platforms and policies 

A strong local focus in AI applications is currently lacking, and addressing these gaps is essential.

Mr. Jayantha Fernando pointed out existing regulatory hurdles, but remained optimistic, citing the Right to Information Act and the Personal Data Protection Act as key enablers. Meanwhile, Mr. Chandika Jayasundra and his team proposed strategies to boost AI-focused startups.

A promising initiative was the concept of an AI-enhanced 1919 Government Information Centre. This would leverage chatbot technology to provide instant access to government services, streamlining public engagement. Dr. Srinath Perera, with the assistance of Mr. Chandika Jayasundra and Mr. Yudhanjaya Wijeyratne explained how this could be achieved.

Let’s continue this conversation! What are your thoughts on Sri Lanka’s AI journey?

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