The “Global Tech Meetup: Sri Lanka Edition”, focused on raising awareness about artificial intelligence (AI), was recently held at Hilton Colombo. The event was jointly organized by Tech London Advocates (TLA) and Global Tech Advocates (GTA) – Sri Lanka Group, in collaboration with the Asian FinTech Academy (AFTA) and the Sri Lanka Chapter of the Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM), based in Colorado, USA. The FinTech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) also served as a supporting organization.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of Tech London Advocates (TLA) Sri Lanka, marking its inclusion in the Global Tech Advocates (GTA) network, which connects over 40 tech hubs across six continents.
TLA and GTA Founder Russ Shaw CBE, along with GTA Head of Community and Corporate Development Tracy Perera, delivered a virtual discussion. Shaw, who played a significant role in making London a global tech hub, emphasized Sri Lanka’s growing role in the international tech ecosystem. He invited Sri Lankan tech professionals to participate in London Tech Week 2025, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s global presence.
Perera, a British professional of Sri Lankan origin, praised Sri Lanka’s digital advancements, including digital identity initiatives and the push for a cashless society, which she highlighted as crucial for economic progress and financial inclusivity. She also introduced the GTA Launchpad, a platform offering startups and entrepreneurs global networking, market insights, and collaboration opportunities.
The event featured a keynote address by Professor Douglas W. Arner from the University of Hong Kong, who spoke on AI’s role in reshaping financial services and regulatory frameworks. He noted that data-driven strategies will be pivotal in the future of finance, while also discussing AI’s ethical and security challenges. The event was facilitated and coordinated by FASL Founding President Rajkumar Kanagasingam.