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Tracy
Tracy
Jul 27 2026
20SLT-MOBITEL has announced support as a Founding Member and Infrastructure Partner for the soon-to-be-established National AI Institute, a national, multistakeholder platform envisioned to advance Artificial Intelligence research, innovation, infrastructure development, and policy engagement in Sri Lanka.
The proposed National AI Institute, currently in the development phase, will unite government stakeholders, academia, industry, and international partners through a multi-stakeholder framework. The Institute was proposed to facilitate collaboration in AI research and innovation, strengthen partnerships among government stakeholders, academia, industry, and international collaborators, and improve access to shared AI infrastructure and technical resources. Its direction is expected to be shaped through stakeholder engagement, collective input, and alignment with national priorities.
Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen coordination among existing AI efforts, enhance access to joint technical resources, and support the creation of a nationally aligned AI ecosystem. It is also intended to provide a platform for national-level dialogue on AI priorities and governance, support capacity building and knowledge sharing, and encourage international collaboration and partnerships.
SLT-MOBITEL champions the initiative as an accelerant, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, consolidate the national capacity in AI, and create new opportunities for innovation and inclusive growth.
The recently concluded Stakeholder Session for the proposed National AI Institute convened government, academia, industry, and partners to shape Sri Lanka’s AI future. The agenda moved from Setting the Vision and outlining national priorities, to Stakeholder Perspectives, highlighting opportunities and gaps. A Consensus-Building Workshop followed, identifying shared priorities and coordination mechanisms. The day concluded with a high-level Endorsement Session, presenting the emerging framework to ministries for reflection and guidance in developing the next stage.
The session was attended by senior officials including Hon. Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Ministry of Digital Economy; Dr. Mothilal de Silva, Group Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC; and M. Riyaaz Rasheed, CEO, SLT-MOBITEL; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy; Prof. Roshan G. Ragel, Consultant CEO, Lanka Education And Research Network; Vijai Karthigesu, CEO, Swarmio; and Senior Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission were also in attendance.
Together, these efforts are expected to contribute to economic growth, technological innovation, and public sector transformation, positioning Sri Lanka within the global AI landscape.
As the National AI Institute takes shape, SLT-MOBITEL’s support highlights commitment to advance Sri Lanka’s AI ecosystem and reinforce their role as the country’s National ICT Solutions Provider and digital enabler. The company’s involvement will anchor the Institute through world-class infrastructure, equipping Sri Lanka to unlock AI’s potential for sustainable prosperity.
