Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) presents both significant opportunities and important responsibilities, stressing the need to ensure its responsible use while addressing the risks associated with emerging technologies.
The Prime Minister said AI has the potential to improve education, strengthen research, enhance public services and create new economic opportunities.
However, she warned that challenges such as inaccurate information, bias, data privacy concerns and unequal access must also be addressed.
She emphasised the importance of strengthening digital literacy and ensuring that human judgement, accountability and the public interest remain central to decisions involving artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the University of Colombo International Conference 2026, held at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, on Wednesday (28), where she participated as the Chief Guest.
The two-day conference, held on October 28 and 29, is organised under the theme ‘Advancing an Inclusive Future through AI, Sustainability and Innovation’.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the vital role of universities and research institutions in shaping Sri Lanka’s future through knowledge generation, critical thinking and the development of solutions to national challenges.
She stressed that ensuring equitable access to quality education is a fundamental national responsibility and that the benefits of development must be shared fairly among all communities.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that innovation must serve the public interest, research must contribute to national priorities and opportunities created by emerging technologies must be accessible to all sections of society.
She noted that achieving these objectives requires sustained cooperation among stakeholders and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
The conference was attended by University of Colombo Vice-Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Education Ministry officials, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, academics, researchers and members of the university community. (Newswire)