Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the inauguration of its first-ever National AI Expo and Conference. The two-day event, held at Monarch Imperial, was organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL, and brought together local and global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to shape the country's AI future.
The expo aimed to establish Sri Lanka as a regional hub by accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government's commitment to advancing AI innovation and positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of technology and digital transformation. The deputy minister of digital economy highlighted AI's transformative role in advancing Sri Lanka's digital economy, which is expected to grow from $3.5 billion in 2025 to $15 billion by 2030, with AI driving up to 12% of this growth.
The event featured exhibitions, keynotes, and hands-on workshops, showcasing cutting-edge AI technologies and innovations. The conference addressed critical themes, including responsible AI governance, trust and ethics, implementation challenges, and sector-specific applications in areas like agriculture, healthcare, finance, and education. With strong leadership from the government and active industry engagement, the expo marked a defining milestone in Sri Lanka's journey to becoming a future-ready AI hub.
