Sri Lanka Charts a Bold AI Future with First National AI Expo & Conference

Sri Lanka Charts a Bold AI Future with First National AI Expo & Conference

In a landmark move for the country’s digital trajectory, Sri Lanka is gearing up to host its first-ever National AI Expo & Conference on 29–30 September 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Colombo.

This event is not merely a tech gathering — it is being positioned as a strategic launchpad for Sri Lanka’s AI transformation, bringing together government, industry, academia, and innovators to co-create the AI roadmap of the future.

Vision & Ambition: An AI-Driven Sri Lanka

The Expo is framed under the theme “In Pursuit of AI”, a fitting motto for a nation at the cusp of deep digital change. ‘

One of the most striking numbers announced is Sri Lanka’s economic ambition: growing the digital economy from US $3.5 billion in 2025 to US $15 billion by 2030, with AI projected to contribute 10–12% of that growth. 

At the heart of this initiative lies a powerful partnership between the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL, joined by ecosystem players such as SLASSCOM, FITIS, and others.

“The National AI Expo & Conference sets the foundation stone for Sri Lanka’s AI-powered future. The programme reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transforming Sri Lanka into a digitally empowered nation where artificial intelligence functions as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.” — Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy

In concert, Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman of SLT-MOBITEL, offered the following:

“SLT-MOBITEL as Sri Lanka’s National ICT Solutions Provider, recognises the immense potential of artificial intelligence and it becomes our responsibility to drive the country’s digital future. … Through the National AI Expo & Conference, we are committed to ensuring every Sri Lankan, from all communities, has the opportunity to participate and benefit from the AI revolution. It will be our legacy contribution to building a digitally inclusive and prosperous Sri Lanka…”

His remarks emphasize the dual purpose of the Expo — to showcase cutting-edge AI while also embedding inclusivity into the digital transition.

What to Expect: Sessions, Exhibitions & Innovation

Over the two-day event, attendees can look forward to 12+ sessions, with more than 25 speakers and 25 exhibitors across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, and more.

What to Expect: Sessions, Exhibitions & Innovation

Over the two-day event, attendees can look forward to 12+ sessions, with more than 25 speakers and 25 exhibitors across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, and more. 

On the agenda, notable sessions include:

• Keynote on National AI Strategy by Hon. (Eng.) Eranga Weeraratne 

• Panel on AI Implementation Challenges: From Investment to Impact featuring voices like Dr. Mothilal De Silva and Dr. Romesh Ranawana 

• Speeches on Policy, Infrastructure & Data Governance 

The conference will also spotlight a startup showcase, immersive experiences (AR/VR), and the Code Blast Hackathon Challenge 2025, powered by Mobitel, which invites developers to prototype real-world solutions.

SLT-MOBITEL’s exhibition zones are set to bring AI to life — from AI in education, smart homes, healthcare, and more, visitors can see firsthand how these technologies might shape everyday life.

Phased Reach & National Inclusion

One of the most compelling aspects of this effort is its regional expansion plan: after Colombo, Phase 2 (Nov 2025 – May 2026) will roll out hubs in Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Matara, ensuring AI access extends across Sri Lanka, not just the capital. 

The broader mission is clear: leave no community behind in the digital transformation. 

SMEs and MSMEs will be featured prominently, with AI solutions tailored to uplift local businesses. Presidential awards will celebrate standout AI innovations. 

A centerpiece moment will be the unveiling of Sri Lanka’s National AI Roadmap, along with the launch of a National AI Fund and a Centre for AI Excellence during the conference—underscoring that this is not a transient event but a sustained institutional commitment.

Why This Matters — For Sri Lanka, For the Region

The National AI Expo & Conference is, in many ways, Sri Lanka’s statement of intent: a signal that it seeks to compete in the AI-led economies of Asia-Pacific. It offers a space where policy, innovation, investment, and public voice converge.

Through this event, Sri Lanka hopes to:

• Accelerate AI adoption across sectors

• Build frameworks for trust, ethics, and governance in AI

• Strengthen local AI talent and ecosystems

• Foster startup–industry–government collaboration

• Extend digital access to underrepresented regions

As tech landscapes evolve rapidly, the Expo becomes not just a showcase but a catalyst—one that may influence not just Sri Lanka, but inspire similar efforts in peer nations.

As the countdown to 29 September begins, all eyes will be on Colombo — not just to witness, but to engage in shaping Sri Lanka’s AI era.

#AIExpo2025 #SriLanka #DigitalEconomy #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #SLTMobitel 

By Author, Admin, Niroshana De Silva. You can reach him at prminds@gmail.com 

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Day 1 – On the Ground at the National AI Expo & Conference: Key Announcements & Insights

The opening sessions of the National AI Expo & Conference 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Colombo were marked by groundbreaking announcements and powerful insights that underline Sri Lanka’s vision for an AI-powered future.

Google’s Commitment to Sri Lanka’s Students

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, revealed a landmark development:

“Google has confirmed that their most advanced Google Gemini tools will be provided free of charge to Sri Lankan students.”

This move is expected to democratize access to cutting-edge AI learning resources, helping nurture the next generation of Sri Lankan innovators.

Localisation: The Critical Factor

Speakers emphasized that the localisation of AI applications is the most critical aspect of adoption. AI cannot simply be imported; it must be adapted to address local problems, languages, and cultural contexts.

“Intelligence is now on tap. It brings the exact outcome reports that humans require,” one speaker noted, highlighting the new accessibility and usability of AI.

AI as Transformation, Not Just Technology

Mr. Vijai Karthigesu, an influential voice at the Expo, reframed the discussion around AI:

“AI is not a technology. It’s a strategic, transformative business process equipped with a set of tools.”

This perspective challenges organizations to see AI not as an add-on, but as a core enabler of transformation across industries.

Building a National AI Ecosystem

Plans were outlined for the establishment of a National AI Centre in Colombo, surrounded by regional AI hubs to drive strategy and implementation. These hubs will ensure that solutions are localized to the specific problems of each province, from agriculture to urban services.

AI Glocalisation: Global + Local

The recurring theme throughout the morning was “AI Glocalisation” — combining global knowledge and tools with local needs and contexts.

This approach, many agreed, is the key requirement for any country that wants to thrive in the age of AI, striking a balance between international best practices and homegrown problem-solving.

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From Colombo to the world, the National AI Expo is making it clear: Sri Lanka’s AI journey will be inclusive, localized, and globally connected.

By Author, Admin, Niroshana De Silva. You can reach him at prminds@gmail.com