The government has announced plans to establish regional AI hubs to make artificial intelligence learning and innovation accessible to students across the island.

“This is mainly to ensure that the benefits of the new partnership with Google are extended to students beyond Colombo,” said Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, at the National AI Expo held at the Monarch Imperial.

Starting mid-October, every Sri Lankan student will receive free access to Google’s AI platforms and tools, including Google Gemini.

Eng. Weeraratne described this initiative as a “game-changer” for leveling the global playing field and preparing the nation’s next generation to master the AI era. He outlined a vision where AI delivers tangible benefits across key sectors—enhancing medical diagnostics in rural clinics, improving agricultural productivity, and creating hyper-personalized experiences for tourists.

Weeraratne stressed that this marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s tech industry, enabling it to evolve into a community of global innovators using AI to solve real-world challenges and drive nationwide progress. “The government will deploy artificial intelligence as a foundational technology to reshape Sri Lanka,” he emphasized.

The two-day exhibition drew over 4,100 participants, including 450 schoolchildren, reflecting the growing national interest in AI and digital innovation.

Organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-Mobitel, the Expo featured interactive workshops, live demonstrations, expert discussions, and panel sessions on AI’s role in education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasooriya.