ICTA Empowers Public Service with AI for Digital Transformation

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), together with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Presidential Secretariat, supported a landmark workshop on “AI for Transforming Public Service” held recently at Temple Trees.

The session was designed with clear objectives: raising awareness and preparing government officials as an initial step in the state’s digitalisation agenda, as well as fostering a positive attitude toward AI within the public service.

Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, highlighted that the government is taking decisive steps toward digital transformation and stressed that the public service must be ready to embrace this shift. He noted that by leveraging AI, the efficiency of public services can be significantly enhanced, enabling better service delivery to citizens.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy and Chairperson of ICTA, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in building an efficient, transparent, and citizen-first government. ICTA Board Members Mr. Harsha Purasinghe and Mr. Samisa Abeysinghe contributed as resource persons, offering practical insights on AI applications and pathways for adoption in government.

The program gathered executive officers from ten key Ministries, including Labour, Transport & Highways, Women & Child Affairs, Urban Development, Rural Development, Public Administration, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Youth & Sports, Public Security, and Plantation.

This initiative reaffirms the government’s and ICTA’s shared commitment to equipping the public service with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to responsibly harness AI. ICTA continues to lead efforts in developing national strategies, capacity-building initiatives, and digital infrastructure—ensuring Sri Lanka’s transformation into an inclusive, future-ready digital nation.