A recent leadership dialogue took place on September 4 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, focusing on the strategic and responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation within Sri Lanka’s state university system. This event coincided with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) Conference, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation in Higher Education.” Notable attendees included Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, and Hon. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, who served as the chief guests.
The session aimed to actively involve Vice-Chancellors and senior university officials in the execution of the National AI Policy Framework, which has been sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The goal is to align the higher education sector with the national digital economy. During his speech, the Deputy Minister highlighted the necessity for universities to evolve beyond being mere consumers of foreign technologies and to become active contributors by creating localized technological solutions to address national challenges.
Participants received comprehensive information regarding the UGC-endorsed National AI Policy Framework, which was adopted on June 24, 2026, along with a national implementation plan set to run from 2026 to 2029. It was recommended that all state universities develop their own institutional AI policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the end of 2026. Additional key topics included adherence to the Personal Data Protection Act, cybersecurity measures, monitoring progress through the AI Maturity Index (AIMI), and the provision of shared digital infrastructure and Learning Management Systems (LMS) for universities facing resource constraints.
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Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, was also in attendance. A panel discussion, led by Prof. Roshan Ragel, featured contributions from prominent figures such as Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary of the 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. The event was well-attended by Vice-Chancellors, senior officials from state universities, and other significant stakeholders in higher education across the country.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
