By Sri Lanka’s AI Revolution: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just an advancement but a catalyst poised to reshape economies, businesses, and societies. AI’s potential to transform Sri Lanka is immense, offering opportunities for growth, innovation, and inclusion. However, to fully harness its power, the country must navigate challenges related to data quality, regulation, and responsible implementation.
Recently, Deloitte experts from the Asia Pacific region and Sri Lanka convened for an insightful discussion on AI’s impact. Their collective insights shed light on how AI can empower individuals and organizations, promote ethical AI practices, and shape a brighter future by harnessing the potential of new technologies.
Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights from Deloitte
Duleesha Kulasooriya, Asia Pacific Innovation Leader and Managing Director of Deloitte Centre for the Edge, emphasized that AI—particularly generative AI like ChatGPT—is set to usher in a profound transformation, much like the internet did in past decades. He highlighted that while younger generations embrace AI’s possibilities, older institutions often approach it with apprehension. Regardless, AI is here to stay, and the key is to harness its potential safely and meaningfully.
Kulasooriya also noted that AI, if implemented wisely, can help bridge societal gaps by providing access to knowledge, enhancing productivity, and creating new opportunities for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Southeast Asia has already seen proactive government-led AI adoption, and Sri Lanka can follow suit.
Darshan Gunawardena, Analytics and Cognitive Leader of Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives, discussed the evolving role of data in reshaping businesses and economies. He highlighted that while Sri Lankan organizations recognize AI’s value, challenges such as data fragmentation and quality remain significant barriers. AI models rely on high-quality data; without it, biases and inaccuracies can emerge.
Gunawardena also underscored the democratizing effect of AI tools like ChatGPT. With around 60% of Sri Lanka’s population having internet access, AI can serve as a knowledge-enhancing tool, improving skills, facilitating new learning opportunities, and enhancing decision-making. He urged businesses to move beyond mere efficiency gains and explore true AI-driven innovation.
Mayura Malagala, Strategy, Analytics, and Growth Leader of Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives, addressed the balance between AI-driven transformation and responsible regulation. While automation and AI-powered insights will drastically improve efficiency, Sri Lanka must ensure ethical AI use. Instead of excessive regulations that stifle innovation, Malagala advocated for protective frameworks that promote responsible AI practices.
He also highlighted the potential for a digital ID system in Sri Lanka, which could integrate national IDs, healthcare records, traffic violations, and other citizen data into a unified system. If implemented securely, such a system could revolutionize public services and governance.
Sri Lanka’s AI Strategy and Regulatory Framework
Sri Lanka stands at a crucial juncture in its AI journey. The government is developing a five-year National AI Strategy with input from academia, industry, and organizations like UNDP Sri Lanka. This strategy aims to promote AI innovation, ensure ethical AI usage, and drive economic growth through AI-powered applications. A Rs1.5 billion allocation from the 2024 National Budget has been dedicated to AI advancements. (Sunday Times)
From a regulatory standpoint, Sri Lanka can learn from models like the European Union’s AI Act, which categorizes AI applications based on risk levels, applying stricter oversight to higher-risk use cases. (SL Guardian)
AI Applications Sri Lanka Should Prioritize
To harness AI’s full potential, Sri Lanka must focus on sector-specific implementations that can drive immediate benefits:
Agriculture: AI-powered predictive analytics can help optimize crop yields, monitor soil health, and manage pest control. AI models can analyze weather patterns and provide farmers with actionable insights to enhance productivity.
Healthcare: AI-driven diagnostic tools can improve patient outcomes by enabling early disease detection. AI can analyze medical images, predict disease patterns, and personalize treatment plans.
Education: AI-integrated platforms can offer personalized learning experiences by tailoring content to individual student needs. Virtual AI tutors and adaptive learning systems can revolutionize education accessibility.
Transportation: AI can enhance traffic management, predictive maintenance of infrastructure, and public transport optimization. AI-driven data analysis can help reduce congestion and improve road safety.
Public Services: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can enhance citizen engagement and streamline government services by providing 24/7 assistance. Digital ID integration can further modernize public administration.
Call to Action: Embrace AI for Sri Lanka’s Future
As Sri Lanka embarks on this transformative journey, individuals, businesses, and policymakers must actively engage with AI technologies.
Businesses should integrate AI into their strategic vision, leveraging data-driven insights to drive efficiency and innovation.
Educational institutions must incorporate AI literacy into their curricula to prepare future generations for an AI-driven workforce.
Government and policymakers should focus on regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring responsible AI adoption.
The AI revolution is not a distant future—it is happening now. The time to act is today. By embracing AI, Sri Lanka can unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
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