A special leadership dialogue aimed at strategically and responsibly implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation across Sri Lanka’s state university system was held recently (September 04) at the Faculty of Medicine premises, University of Colombo, alongside the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) Conference under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Higher Education.” Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, and Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Hon. Madhura Seneviratne, attended the event as chief guests.
The primary objective of the session was to actively engage Vice-Chancellors and senior university administrators in implementing the National AI Policy Framework approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and aligning the higher education system with the national digital economy. Addressing the audience, the Deputy Minister emphasized that universities should not merely be consumers of foreign technology, but active contributors that power the national digital economy by developing localized technological solutions for national issues.
Detailed insights were shared during the forum regarding the UGC-approved National AI Policy Framework (adopted on June 24, 2026) and the three-year national implementation plan spanning from 2026 to 2029. It was proposed that all state universities formulate their institutional AI policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by December 31, 2026. Key topics discussed also included compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, cybersecurity, progress monitoring via the AI Maturity Index (AIMI), and providing shared digital infrastructure and LMS systems for under-resourced universities.
Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, attended the event. A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Roshan Ragel featured key insights from Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala (Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy), Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya (Chief Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy), Dr. Romesh Ranawana (Chief AI Officer at Dialog Axiata and Chairman of the National AI Advisory Committee), and Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake (Co-Chair of the UGC AI Policy Committee). Vice-Chancellors, senior administrators from all state universities, and key higher education stakeholders island-wide were also present.
Source: Ada Derana Biz