Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025 marked a transformative moment in the nation’s journey toward digital innovation. Bringing together global and local leaders, the event outlined Sri Lanka’s ambitious vision to become a regional AI hub, driving growth through technology, education, and ethical innovation.
Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025 highlights national drive to become South Asia’s leading AI innovation hub
Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025, the country’s first National AI Expo and Conference, has set the stage for a new era of digital transformation. Organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL, the event attracted international and local experts who gathered to explore how artificial intelligence can shape Sri Lanka’s future across vital sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, national security, and the digital economy.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025 represents a critical step in harnessing AI for decision-making, social equity, and problem-solving. She called for ethical innovation, critical thinking, and stronger integration of digital literacy and data education within the national curriculum to prepare a technology-ready workforce. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of developing an inclusive ecosystem that empowers youth and ensures technology benefits all citizens.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, underscored the transformative power of AI, comparing its impact to electricity in revolutionizing industries. Speaking at Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025, he urged industries to invest in homegrown talent and innovation while ensuring equitable access to AI technologies across both rural and urban areas. He also announced a startup funding program, launching in January 2026, designed to boost AI research and support innovation-led entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman of SLT Group, highlighted the critical role of telecommunications infrastructure in enabling AI, calling data networks “the arteries carrying blood” to the digital economy. He reiterated SLT-MOBITEL’s dedication to advancing AI responsibly through secure data management, AI-as-a-service platforms, and collaborative partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. His vision for Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025 emphasized building an inclusive and resilient AI-driven society ready for global competitiveness.
The Expo also featured a dynamic exhibition that drew thousands of participants, showcasing hands-on demos, workshops, and hackathons. Global tech giants such as Huawei, Microsoft, and AWS demonstrated advanced AI solutions for cloud computing, healthcare, education, and smart cities. A major attraction was the SLT-MOBITEL AI Campus, where students explored robotics, coding, and innovation under expert mentorship. The event concluded with an Awards & Recognition Ceremony, celebrating innovators and startups shaping the nation’s digital future.
Through Sri Lanka AI Expo 2025, the country reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a digital services and innovation hub in South Asia. With strong policy backing, public-private collaboration, and focus on human capital, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI economy.