‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’ launched with the theme ‘AI Amplified’ by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL

Building on the success of Sri Lanka's first-ever National AI Expo & Conference held last year, the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka and SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, announced ‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’, an initiative designed to transform the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ambition into measurable impact. Through thought-provoking discussions, showcases of cutting-edge AI innovations and collaboration among policymakers, businesses, researchers, startups and students, 'Sri Lanka AI Week 2026' aims to accelerate the development of a thriving AI ecosystem.

‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’, taking place from 28 September to 4 October 2026 across multiple venues in Colombo, will feature four landmark events such as the AI Leaders Night, an exclusive networking dinner for global leaders, policymakers, and C-suite executives and the AI Conference, a two-day forum of keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops on AI policy, enterprise transformation, and emerging technologies. The AI Expo, a multi-zone exhibition open to businesses, students, and the general public, will showcase concrete AI solutions covering key verticals.

Recognising excellence in AI among enterprises, startups, academia, and the public sector, the National AI Awards, will cover over 16 sectors from four categories including National Awards, Industry Excellence, Innovation & Future, and AI for Content. These awards will be presented to organisations and individuals driving real-world AI impact in Sri Lanka.

The press conference highlighted the growing importance of AI in driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and emphasised the significance of returning for a second year with an expanded national initiative. The discussions also reflected on the progress made since the inaugural edition and outlined how ‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’ will further accelerate AI adoption, foster collaboration, and translate the country’s AI ambitions into tangible and measurable outcomes.

The event was attended by Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy of Sri Lanka and Chairman of GovTech Sri Lanka, Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman of SLT Group, and Mr. Riyaaz Rasheed, CEO of SLT-MOBITEL, alongside senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Digital Economy, GovTech, and SLT-MOBITEL.

Aligned with the vision of Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 to accelerate AI adoption and foster innovation, the occasion marked the launch of two new AI-driven initiatives by SLT-MOBITEL. The first, SMART AI, South Asia’s first AI tokenisation platform, will enable customers to purchase AI token credits directly through their SLT-MOBITEL connectivity, making access to leading AI tools more simple, affordable, and seamless. Through SMART AI, SLT-MOBITEL aims to democratise access to AI and empower students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creators, and businesses to harness AI for learning, innovation, productivity, and growth.

Complementing this initiative, SLT-MOBITEL proudly introduced AI Hub, Sri Lanka’s national AI Engagement Platform, designed to accelerate the country’s AI transformation by connecting learners, researchers, academia, industry, and government through a single, governed digital ecosystem. AI Hub offers AI learning and talent development, research collaboration, career opportunities, innovation challenges, AI resources, industry news, and a secure data exchange marketplace. AI Hub enables users to learn, innovate, collaborate, and apply AI to real-world challenges while fostering a national pipeline of AI talent, research excellence, and data-driven innovation. As a live and operational platform, AI Hub represents a significant step toward building a vibrant and sustainable AI ecosystem that empowers Sri Lanka’s digital future.

Further reinforcing the responsible use of AI, the event also highlighted the importance of child-friendly internet and the need to build a safe and secure digital environment, recognising that while AI and digital innovation create immense opportunities, ensuring a safer digital experience for children remains a shared responsibility.

Powered by the theme, ‘AI Amplified’, ‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’ demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL's role as a trusted partner to the Government in advancing national priorities and Sri Lanka's digital future. Reinforcing the commitment to help Sri Lanka realise AI's full potential, the company is supporting enterprises and citizens to drive inclusive, sustainable growth for the country.

‘Sri Lanka AI Week 2026’ is designed to be more than an event but as a platform for enterprise and business leaders, government and policy stakeholders, developers and technology providers, startups and investors, academia, and the wider public, to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and accelerate industry transformation on a single national platform, and for citizens to witness AI’s impact, setting a national statement that Sri Lanka’s future will not be replaced by AI but amplified through it.