Sri Lanka and Japan are set to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), following high‑level talks between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratna and Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Digital Economy yesterday (14), centered on two priority areas: expediting the digital television project and resolving its technical challenges, as well as exploring the local manufacture of set‑top boxes to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic industries.

In addition, both sides discussed establishing a National AI Data Centre to support future AI infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Plans include capacity‑building programs, training, developing AI solutions tailored to local needs, and exchanging international technical expertise and best practices.

The Ministry of Digital Economy expressed appreciation for JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation, while Deputy Minister Weeraratna emphasized that these initiatives will be advanced successfully, further reinforcing the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan. (Newswire)

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A high‑level Sri Lankan delegation, led by Special Envoy of the President and Chief Advisor on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, actively participated in the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held July 6–7 at the Palexpo complex in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Global Dialogue, established under UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/325, is the world’s first universal UN‑led platform dedicated to fostering international cooperation on artificial intelligence. The opening session featured keynote addresses by UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, underscoring the urgency of building a fair and secure global digital order.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to digital equity and inclusive governance, the Sri Lankan delegation emphasized the nation’s readiness to contribute to shaping international frameworks for AI.

The delegation included Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), and senior officials from the Permanent Mission.

Beyond the Global Dialogue, the Sri Lankan team engaged strategically across related events from July 6–10, including the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum and the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, ensuring Sri Lanka’s voice was represented in global deliberations on digital transformation. (Newswire)

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The Maradankerni Police have arrested five students in connection with an incident where a group photograph of 16 female teachers from a school in the Uduththurai area in Kankasanthurai was manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make them appear nude and then circulated via WhatsApp.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, the Police said the suspects are students who sat for this year’s GCE Ordinary Level examination and are currently awaiting results. 

The arrests were made following a complaint lodged by the school administration.

Investigations revealed that four of the students had the doctored images stored on their mobile phones during examinations of the devices. (Newswire)

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Under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a new government model that will see half of all government sectors, services, and operations powered by Agentic AI within two years.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the initiative on ‘X’, stating that this makes the UAE the first nation globally to operate at such a scale through autonomous systems.

“AI is no longer a tool. It analyses, decides, executes, and improves in real time. It will become our executive partner to enhance services, accelerate decisions, and raise efficiency,” he said. 

The UAE Prime Minister further said the transformation will be measured by the speed of adoption, the quality of implementation, and the mastery of AI in redesigning government work.

“This transformation has a clear timeline. Two years. We are investing in our people. Every federal employee will be trained to master AI, building one of the world’s strongest capabilities in AI-driven government.

“The world is changing. Technology is accelerating. Our principle remains constant. People come first. Our goal is a government that is faster, more responsive, and more impactful,” he added. 

Oversight of the rollout will be led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, with a dedicated task force chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi driving execution. (Newswire)

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The South Asian Women in Media – Sri Lanka (SAWM‑SL) has presented its draft Guidelines for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Media to Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyarathne, marking a key initiative under its International Women’s Month 2026 programme.

The handover, held at the Deputy Minister’s office last week (10), was followed by a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Sri Lanka’s media sector in an era of rapid technological change. 

Deputy Minister Ariyarathne welcomed the guidelines as both timely and necessary, acknowledging the growing urgency of addressing AI’s ethical implications for journalism.

Discussions touched on several pressing priorities: responsible AI adoption across media institutions, the digital empowerment of women journalists, and the critical need to strengthen digital literacy in rural communities, particularly among women. The discussions also explored the value of gender audits within newsrooms, more innovative approaches to professional training beyond conventional workshops, and raising the standards of awards and recognition for media professionals.

The draft guidelines, developed by Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, are the product of an extensive consultative process led by SAWM – SL, grounded in a comprehensive research report, also by Dr Hattotuwa, examining the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism, The report addresses both the promise and the perils of emerging AI technologies, with particular attention to the growing threat of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

Developed as an annex to the Code of Ethics of the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka, the guidelines expand existing ethical standards to encompass electronic, web-based, online, and social media platforms. They are designed to help media organisations harness AI responsibly, upholding human rights, protecting individuals from harm, and ensuring that the digital transformation of journalism does not come at the cost of safety, equity, or integrity.

Following the meeting with the Deputy Minister, SAWM – SL engaged print, broadcast, and digital media institutions across Colombo, sharing the draft guidelines with heads, directors, and editors at Sri Lanka Rupavahini, Lake House, Anidda, MTV, Echelon Media, Express Newspapers Ceylon Ltd, Newswire, and Liberty Publishers. These meetings generated productive discussion on the use of AI in newsrooms and on incorporating the guidelines into Sri Lanka’s national media ethics framework.

SAWM-SL said it will continue engaging media institutions in the weeks ahead to broaden these conversations.

“A principled, collaborative approach to AI ethics is not optional; it is essential,” said a SAWM-SL spokesperson, noting, “As the media landscape evolves at a pace, we must ensure that the values of fairness, safety, and accountability evolve with it.”

Founded in Colombo in September 2009, SAWM-SL is Sri Lanka’s first all-women media association. An independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization, SAWM-SL is committed to advancing the rights, voices, and leadership of women in Sri Lanka’s media by mobilizing women media professionals, promoting gender sensitive journalism, advocating for equal opportunity and creating a platform for dialogue and action. It is also affiliated with the regional SAWM network spanning all SAARC countries. (Newswire)

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An advanced MRI machine equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has been installed at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka for the first time in a government hospital, the Health Ministry said.

The machine, valued at over Rs. 450 million, was officially added to patient care services this afternoon (09) under the patronage of Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Health Ministry said the state-of-the-art MRI scanner has been installed to improve treatment services at the hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit and the Neurosurgery Unit.

Authorities noted that the three existing MRI scanners at the hospital had frequently become inoperative in recent years, causing difficulties for patients seeking diagnostic services.

Following the new government taking office, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni directed officials to review the situation and take steps to ensure the machines remained operational.

As a result, the three existing MRI scanners at the National Hospital are now functioning, with the newly installed AI-enabled MRI machine further strengthening diagnostic capacity at the hospital. (Newswire)

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Artificial intelligence should be harnessed to promote the cultural values and capabilities of humankind,” President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in his address during the Heads of State Session held alongside the AI IMPACT SUMMIT 2026 in New Delhi, India.

Addressing fellow leaders, President Dissanayake said that if AI is limited to a few select languages and perspectives, it risks overlooking the world’s unique cultural diversity.

“For countries like India and Sri Lanka, their language and culture is the foundation of respect and trust,” he said, calling for inclusivity in the AI technology space.

President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka is prepared to move forward in partnership with other nations by sharing common values and learning from one another to promote ethical artificial intelligence that leaves no one behind.

He said the world has reached a moment that requires confident and decisive action, stressing the need for a collaborative spirit. No country, he noted, can build an AI-ready future alone.

The AI IMPACT SUMMIT 2026 in New Delhi is held under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Dissanayake attended the summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. On Tuesday evening (Feb. 18), he joined a state banquet hosted by the Indian prime minister for visiting heads of state.

The main session of the summit was attended by Prime Minister Modi, President Dissanayake, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, and leaders of approximately 100 major global technology companies.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said India represents one in every six people worldwide and is home to the world’s largest youth population, positioning the country as a central hub for modern technology. He said India is both a leading developer of new technologies and among the fastest to adopt them. (Newswire)

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India’s Ministry of Information Technology has updated rules for the use of generative artificial intelligence on social media platforms.

Now platforms have three hours to remove content requested by authorities. 

Previously, they had a 36-hour window to take down such content.

Under India’s IT rules, authorities can order the removal of content deemed illegal under any of its laws, including those related to national security and public order.

India’s new rules require labelling of AI content

It will also be mandatory for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube to clearly label what the government calls “synthetically generated information.” The labels must be permanent markings that can’t be suppressed or removed.

The government is also holding social media platforms responsible if this synthetic content is published without the required markings.

Certain categories of synthetic content are banned in the new rules, which were published on Tuesday as amendments to the country’s 2021 IT Rules.

They will come into effect on February 20.

India wants to curb the online misuse of deepfakes and AI

India has around a billion internet users and a young population. This makes it an important market for social media.

But concern is growing over hyper-realistic deepfakes, impersonations and manipulated content being used for fraud, harassment and misinformation, among other things.

The announcement of the new rules comes as New Delhi is preparing to host a major global AI summit next week.

It will be attended by several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. (DW)

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“I was involuntarily undressed by Elon Musk’s Grok on X,” Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch said in a recent video on the platform. She is one of countless victims of a feature on X’s AI chatbot, Grok, that allows users to digitally strip women and children of their clothing. In less than two weeks, Grok generated three million sexualized images, including tens of thousands that appear to depict children.

Now, the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has launched an investigation into Grok under the Digital Services Act, or DSA. The Commission said it would “assess whether the company [X] properly assessed and mitigated risks associated with the deployment of Grok’s functionalities into X in the EU.”

The investigation could set an important precedent in confronting US tech firms and protecting citizens from privacy violations. “If they can go up against Musk, that is huge,” Joanna Bryson, professor of ethics and technology at the Hertie School university in Berlin, told DW. “It tells everybody the EU is serious.”

EU has the laws to protect from AI harm

But how much power does the EU have? Under its laws, the bloc can regulate digital services much like physical products. Just as unsafe toys or appliances can be banned from the European market, online platforms that break EU rules can be forced to change — or be shut out entirely.

“The DSA is arguably the most powerful platform regulation in the world,” said Philipp Hacker, professor of law and ethics at the Viadrina University in Frankfurt an der Oder. Rather than targeting specific technologies, it addresses broad categories such as “systemic risks,” giving the European Commission flexibility to respond to new harms as AI evolves. Grok’s undressing function did not exist when the DSA entered into force in 2022.

The EU has two main enforcement tools. It can fine X up to 6% of its global annual turnover, a measure it already used in December, when it fined the platform €120 million ($143 million) for breaching DSA transparency rules. In cases of repeated violations, the Commission can also block the platform entirely within the EU. For now, a fine is seen as the more likely next step.

The EU’s leverage is strengthened by its market size. As one of the world’s largest consumer markets, it wields significant influence over global tech firms.

EU reportedly delayed start of Grok investigation

Still, experts question whether the Commission will push hard enough to set a lasting precedent. “We have a lot of provisions protecting fundamental rights. The problem is there enforcement, making sure they are not disregarded,” says Marco Bassini, assistant professor of Fundamental Rights and Articifical Intelligence at Tilburg University.

At a time of strained EU-US relations, Brussels has been cautious about fully deploying its regulatory power against American tech companies. According to reporting by the German newspaper Handelsblatt, the launch of the Grok investigation was delayed by the office of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen amid a tariff dispute between the EU and the US over Greenland. In the past, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick linked tariff reductions to weakening EU tech regulation.

“I think a big mistake was made,” Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Alexandra Geese told DW. “There was a lot of fear about the reaction from the US administration.”

Experts doubt how far the EU is willing to go
While the eventual launch of the investigation is seen as a positive signal, doubts remain over how far the Commission is willing to go. “One has to distinguish between the legal position and the geopolitical position,” said Bryson. “The Commission looks at both.”

There is also skepticism over whether a 6% fine would be enough to change the behavior of the world’s wealthiest man. “We should increase this number so companies really pay attention to what the legislature expects in Europe,” MEP Axel Voss told DW.

There is no concrete timeline on the investigation. According to experts, it could take months for the Commission to reach a result. (DW)

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A special training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was conducted at the Northern Provincial Chief Secretary’s Office this week (27) to promote the use of AI among public officials.

The training program titled “AI for Transforming Public Service” was conducted by the Presidential Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy.

The program seeks to foster innovation and reform within the public sector through digitalization and AI technology, enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, create pathways for overseas training opportunities, prepare for digital economy policies, improve AI literacy among government officials and develop a new generation of officers aligned with global standards.

The keynote address was delivered by Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Hans Wijesuriya, while officials from the Presidential Secretariat participated as resource persons.

At the conclusion of the program, internationally recognized certificates of participation were awarded to the attendees.

Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan, Chief Secretary Tanuja Murugesan, Deputy Chief Secretary, Provincial Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Executive Officers of public institutions in the Northern Province were present at the event. (Newswire)

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A special workshop on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the public service into a productive and efficient one was held for government executive officers recently (17). 

According to the President’s Office, the workshop, titled “AI for Transforming Public Service”, was held at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium of the University of Ruhuna. 

Executive-level government officers from the Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts participated in the workshop, organised by the Southern Provincial Council in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Digital Economy. 

The workshop aimed to create awareness and preparedness among public officers as an initial step in the government’s programme for the digitalisation of the public service and to foster a positive attitude towards Artificial Intelligence within the state sector. 

Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, delivered the keynote address. Officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, including Harsha Purasinghe and Samisa Abeysinghe, members of the ministry’s Digital Task Force, also contributed as resource persons. 

Among those present were the Chief Secretary of the Southern Province, Attorney-at-Law Sumith Alahakoon, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, District Secretaries and several other distinguished officials. (Newswire)

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A schoolboy and the principal of a leading school in Nikaweratiya have been released on bail after being arrested over an incident involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create nude images of three female students.

The Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of both suspects on cash bail of Rs. 100,000 each and surety bail worth Rs. 1 million each. The court also directed that their sureties be close relatives and ordered the suspects to appear again on October 23.

The suspects were arrested by the Crimes Investigation Unit of the Nikaweratiya Police Division. The principal was accused of assisting and concealing the incident without informing the authorities.

Investigations revealed that the 14- and 15-year-old girls’ photos were altered using AI tools to produce nude images, which were then saved on the student’s mobile phone. The device was later taken into the possession of the principal, who allegedly kept it unlawfully for over a month instead of reporting the matter to the police.

The incident came to light following a complaint lodged by the school’s Past Pupils’ Association, leading to a police inquiry. The suspects were charged under Sections 286, 346, and 361 of the Penal Code.

Police said such acts are treated as computer crimes under Sri Lankan law, adding that the Police Cyber Crimes Division continues investigations. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the National AI Expo and Conference is set to become a regular fixture in Sri Lanka’s technology event calendar, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust digital economy.

Speaking at the inaugural event in Colombo, organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-Mobitel, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka’s goals were “ambitious but essential.”

By 2030, Sri Lanka aims to grow its digital economy to USD 15 billion — equivalent to 12% of GDP — with USD 5 billion in digital exports and a workforce of 200,000 skilled professionals, Prime Minister Amarasuriya said.

“AI is projected to contribute 10 to 12% of our digital economy growth by 2030. We want to show every citizen that digital tools can improve daily life and create more opportunities,” she said. “Technology must have a human face. It has to be about people, which is why technology and education must go hand in hand.”

“The value of technology lies in how we use it to solve problems, to create opportunity. I have often been described by friends, that I am late to technology and skeptical of adapting to technology. But I think skeptics are also needed, because we insist on making sure that technology is used for humans users, for human problems and not just as a fad or fashion,” she added. (Newswire)

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The monsoon has always been more than a season for India: it is a lifeline. Yet, as climate change disrupts rainfall patterns, what was once predictable has become precarious. This year’s unusual monsoon, with its early arrival and a rare midseason hiatus, illustrates just how fragile agricultural rhythms have become. But this year was also different for another reason: millions of Indian farmers had artificial intelligence on their side.

From Supercomputers to Smartphones

For decades, accurate weather forecasting was a privilege afforded only to governments and well-funded institutions, reliant on hundred-million-dollar supercomputers and massive datasets. But AI has begun to dismantle that exclusivity. With open-source models like Google’s NeuralGCM and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’s AI systems, highly granular predictions are now possible on devices as modest as a farmer’s smartphone.

This democratization of forecasting is not just technological innovation—it is a political and social breakthrough. In India, where smallholder farmers make up the bulk of the agricultural workforce, the government sent AI-driven forecasts to 38 million farmers this monsoon season. That number is staggering, not just because of its scale but because of its precision. Rather than offering broad weather summaries, forecasts were tailored to the needs of individual farmers: whether to plant early, buy more seed, or prepare for drought-like pauses.

“Up until very recently, to run a weather model, you needed a 100 million-dollar supercomputer,” Google Research’s Olivia Graham explained. Today, Parasnath Tiwari, a farmer in Madhya Pradesh, can receive predictive rainfall alerts on his phone. This shift represents more than efficiency—it is empowerment.

The Promise of Democratized Forecasting

What makes India’s experiment remarkable is not merely its technological sophistication but its accessibility. Weather forecasting, once dominated by elite institutions, is now being reframed as a public good. Researchers at the University of Chicago, working with the Indian government, helped bridge the gap between machine learning outputs and actionable advice. As Amir Jina, an assistant professor involved in the project, observed: “What dots hadn’t been connected before was this tailoring of forecast to purpose.”

That tailoring matters. A generic national forecast might warn of heavy rains, but a farmer in Bihar needs to know whether to delay planting rice seedlings, while a sugarcane grower in Maharashtra must decide whether to irrigate fields ahead of schedule. By delivering locally relevant insights, AI makes forecasting meaningful.

This democratization also creates a template for global adaptation. If India can deploy AI-driven forecasts at scale for some of the world’s poorest farmers, then other developing nations may follow suit. In the face of climate change, information is not just power—it is survival.

The High Stakes of Climate Volatility

The urgency could not be greater. Climate change threatens to destabilize India’s agriculture sector, which supports nearly half of the country’s population. Irregular monsoons disrupt sowing schedules, reduce yields, and imperil livelihoods. Michael Kremer, a Nobel laureate economist who studies agriculture in developing countries, underscores the stakes: “Climate change is really threatening their livelihoods in many cases.”

This year’s monsoon provided a live stress test. The early onset suggested abundant rains ahead, but the 20-day midseason stall left crops vulnerable. The AI forecast’s accuracy in predicting this hiatus allowed farmers to adapt, buying time and avoiding catastrophic losses. That precision may well have saved lives and incomes.

Such resilience is vital for India’s food security. Crops like rice, wheat, and sugar cane form not just the backbone of rural economies but also the diet of hundreds of millions. When weather falters, hunger looms. AI, then, is not merely a convenience—it is an instrument of national security.

Private Sector Innovation and Public Sector Reach

India’s initiative also signals a broader shift: climate adaptation is no longer solely the realm of governments. Technology companies and startups are accelerating innovation. Microsoft’s Aurora model, for instance, joins a growing commercial industry focused on AI weather forecasting. Meanwhile, corporations across sectors are installing mini weather stations to protect operations and supply chains from climate volatility.

Yet India’s program stands apart because of its emphasis on equity. By leveraging open-source AI and government networks, forecasts reached farmers who would otherwise be excluded from private sector tools. The lesson is clear: when innovation is paired with public infrastructure, it amplifies resilience at scale.

This is not to say private enterprise lacks a role. Startups can refine hyperlocal forecasts, companies can build complementary data-gathering hardware, and multinationals can deploy AI expertise. But the Indian case shows that governments must ensure that access to life-saving forecasts is universal, not market-driven.

Global Lessons from India

India’s AI-powered adaptation offers lessons for the world, especially for countries grappling with agricultural vulnerabilities. First, open-source technology is essential. By removing barriers to entry, it enables broader participation in climate adaptation. Second, localization matters. Forecasts must be translated into actionable insights relevant to specific crops and geographies. Third, collaboration is key. Governments, universities, and technology companies each bring unique strengths, but only together can they deliver at scale.

These lessons are particularly urgent given the fragility of weather data infrastructure elsewhere. In the United States, cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Trump administration raised alarms about data availability. If even wealthy nations face gaps, the case for collaborative, open-source, AI-driven forecasting grows stronger.

Risks and Responsibilities

Of course, AI is not a panacea. Its models are only as good as the data that trains them. Historical rainfall data may not always capture the novel extremes of a warming climate. Moreover, over-reliance on AI could create new vulnerabilities if forecasts fail. A missed prediction in the midst of climate chaos could have devastating consequences.

There are also ethical questions. Who owns the data collected from farmers? How is it used, and who profits from it? Ensuring that AI remains a tool for empowerment, rather than exploitation, will require transparent governance and safeguards.

Yet, these risks should not obscure the promise. The alternative—leaving millions of farmers to navigate increasingly erratic weather armed only with intuition and tradition—is untenable.

A Future of Climate Adaptation Powered by AI

India’s AI-driven monsoon forecasting initiative embodies a broader truth: climate adaptation requires innovation at scale, grounded in inclusivity. By bringing cutting-edge technology to the fingertips of the world’s most vulnerable farmers, India has shown how artificial intelligence can serve as a bridge between global scientific advances and local survival strategies.

The monsoon will remain fickle, and climate change will continue to amplify uncertainty. But with AI as an ally, India’s farmers have gained not just forecasts, but foresight. And in the struggle against climate change, foresight may be the most precious resource of all. (One World Outlook)

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Chamath Palihapitiya has launched a new special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) to raise $250 million, marking his return to the market after a series of setbacks. The vehicle, named American Exceptionalism Acquisition Corp A (AEXA), will sell 25 million shares at $10 each and target investments in energy, defence, artificial intelligence and decentralised finance.

Sri Lankan born Canadian Palihapitiya will serve as chairman, while Social Capital managing partner Steven Trieu will act as chief executive.

The move follows the former Facebook executive’s earlier role as a leading figure in the 2020–2021 SPAC boom, when his deals included Clover Health and Virgin Galactic. Several of those ventures faced regulatory scrutiny and sharp share price declines, leading him to wind down some vehicles in 2022 as investor demand weakened.

AEXA adopts a tighter structure than many past SPACs. It excludes warrants and requires founder shares to vest only if the stock price rises at least 50% above its IPO level. In filings, Palihapitiya cautioned investors about the risks involved.

The launch comes as investors show signs of renewed appetite for risk after a prolonged slowdown in the SPAC market. The listing will test whether investor confidence can return to a sector that has struggled to regain momentum since its peak. (Newswire)

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With a young and dynamic demographic, a rapidly digitising economy, and a strong push for foundational and future skills, India is laying the groundwork for an educational revolution that embraces artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and data sciences, writes Dr Arun Kumar Sharma

As India celebrates a decade of the transformative Skill India Mission, the country now stands at the threshold of a groundbreaking milestone: becoming the global leader in AI-ready school talent. 

India’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, recently announced that India is on course to have the world’s largest AI-ready school-going population—a development that not only underscores the nation’s growing digital capabilities but also reflects its proactive approach to future-proofing its youth.

This ambitious vision dovetails seamlessly with India’s broader aspirations in technology and innovation. 

With a young and dynamic demographic, a rapidly digitising economy, and a strong push for foundational and future skills, India is laying the groundwork for an educational revolution that embraces artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and data sciences.

A vision aligned with India’s digital future

Speaking at the 10-year anniversary of the Skill India Mission, Jayant Chaudhary emphasised the importance of integrating AI and future technologies into school curricula. 

“India is not just preparing for the future—it is building it,” he said, outlining how government initiatives are equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

The statement comes at a time when AI is being recognised as a transformative force across sectors—from healthcare and education to finance and agriculture. 

By developing a robust base of AI-literate students, India is positioning itself as not only a consumer of AI technologies but a global supplier of talent and innovation in the field.

National Education Policy: A strong foundation

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 plays a pivotal role in creating this AI-ready ecosystem. 

The NEP advocates for multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and digital fluency from an early age. 

Coding is now being taught as early as Class 6, and AI modules have been introduced in schools across several states as part of the CBSE and state board curricula.

This early exposure to AI concepts helps students develop problem-solving abilities and prepares them to understand complex systems. 

It also aligns with the goals of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which emphasises experiential learning and practical application of knowledge.

By embedding AI literacy at the school level, the NEP ensures that students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

The focus is clear: democratise access to next-gen skills and make future technologies part of mainstream education.

Digital infrastructure and access at scale

A key enabler of this vision is India’s expanding digital infrastructure. 

Programmes like PM eVidya, DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing), and SWAYAM have ensured that digital content reaches every corner of the country. 

The government has made strategic investments in ensuring internet connectivity in rural schools and in providing affordable digital devices to students and teachers.

Under the BharatNet project, high-speed broadband is being deployed in over 250,000 village panchayats, bringing digital classrooms to rural India. 

This digital push ensures that AI education is not limited to urban centres but reaches India’s hinterland, bridging the rural-urban divide in digital literacy.

Moreover, with the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) being established, there is a clear roadmap for leveraging tech-enabled learning tools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

Skill India Mission: A decade of transformation

Launched in 2015, the Skill India Mission has already trained millions of youth in industry-relevant skills. 

As the mission marks its 10-year milestone, its focus is shifting decisively towards future skills like AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, and big data.

Jayant Chaudhary emphasised that the mission’s next phase would prioritise convergence between formal education and vocational training, enabling school students to build practical, employable skills while still in classrooms. 

Programmes under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) are being redesigned to offer short-term certification courses in AI and emerging technologies for school and college students alike.

The mission’s continued success lies in its inclusivity and scale. Skill development centres have been established in remote areas, women and differently-abled candidates are being encouraged through special incentives, and partnerships with private players and global tech firms are helping modernise training modules.

Public-private partnerships fuelling AI education

Recognising the need for industry alignment, India has entered into partnerships with global technology leaders like Intel, IBM, Microsoft, and Google to train school students and teachers in AI fundamentals. 

These collaborations offer access to world-class resources, mentorship programs, bootcamps, and hands-on labs.

Initiatives like the CBSE-AI curriculum, created in partnership with Intel, have already introduced thousands of students across 22 states to AI tools and applications. 

Hackathons and AI innovation challenges are regularly organised to encourage students to create real-world solutions using AI for social good.

Such efforts ensure that India’s AI-ready population is not just theoretically informed but practically skilled and industry-ready by the time they graduate.

Empowering teachers, elevating classrooms

Building an AI-ready student population requires an equally empowered teaching workforce. 

The Ministry of Education and MSDE have launched multiple initiatives for teacher training, both online and offline. 

These include capacity-building workshops, AI certification programmes, and peer-learning communities where educators share best practices.

Through programmes like NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement), lakhs of teachers are being trained in digital pedagogies, AI curriculum integration, and the ethical use of technology. 

This ensures that classrooms remain dynamic spaces where curiosity is nurtured and innovation is celebrated.

Young innovators shaping tomorrow

The impact of these reforms is already visible in national innovation contests and global tech competitions. 

Indian school students have begun to stand out with AI-powered projects that address real-world issues—from climate change monitoring and language translation apps to automated crop management systems and smart health diagnostics.

These student innovations are being supported by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which has established thousands of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country. 

These labs provide a platform for young minds to experiment with AI, robotics, IoT, and other technologies in a hands-on environment.

Minister Jayant Chaudhary rightly pointed out that these young innovators are not just learning—they are leading. 

They represent a confident, tech-savvy generation prepared to shape India’s digital future.

A nation ready to lead

As India embraces its demographic dividend, the focus on AI-readiness at the school level is not only timely—it’s visionary. 

With the world increasingly looking toward digital and intelligent systems, India is preparing an entire generation to lead, innovate, and compete globally.

Jayant Chaudhary’s statement signals a shift in national consciousness—from seeing education as a tool for literacy to recognising it as the foundation for leadership in the 21st-century knowledge economy.

India’s future lies in the hands of its youth—and with a growing, AI-ready school population, that future looks bright, bold, and boundless. (Asian Lite)

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High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK, Nimal Senadheera, says with a dedicated Ministry for the Digital Economy under the direct leadership of the President, the Government aims to generate USD 5 billion in export revenue from IT and digital services by 2030. 

High Commissioner Senadheera said that until June this year, Sri Lanka has earned USD 418.5 million from IT and BPO exports, with a 6.1% growth compared to the first half of 2024. 

In this context, he stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a significant frontier for innovation and investment. 

Sri Lanka has a distinct opportunity to position itself as a competitive player in the global AI landscape. The country is home to a skilled, tech-savvy workforce with strong foundations in mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Our software development industry is known for its agility, technical sophistication, and English language proficiency, making Sri Lanka a reliable partner for delivering complex digital solutions to clients worldwide, he added. 

“Now is the time to leverage this talent and reputation, which is needed to attract forward-looking investments and build collaborative networks that enable Sri Lanka to become a regional hub for AI-powered innovations. The panel discussion will help to identify viable pathways for the transformation,” he said.  

He made the remarks during a panel discussion to promote investment opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Sri Lanka, jointly organised by the Sri Lanka–UK Chamber of Commerce – London (SLUKCC) and the High Commission of Sri Lanka, which was held at the High Commission in July. 

The panel featured a distinguished group of professional and academic including Dean Faculty of Computing, Law and Psychology, University of Buckingham, Professor Harin Sellahewa, Chief Financial Officer, Gravitee and the Co-founder, VBG Brands Ltd – UK, Sanjay Bowry, Sustainability Champion Author and the Co-founder Mitra & Experienz – UK, Ashok Suppiah, Chief Commercial Officer of My Voice AI and the Chairman, Neural Voice AI, Independent Angel Investor (UK, Sri Lanka), Kumi Thiruchelvam, and President of the SLUKCC and the Chief People Officer, Kaya Global Inc – UK, Eranga Pathirage. The session was attended by approximately 45 participants, including industry leaders and professionals from various sectors. 

Addressing the panel discussion, High Commissioner Senadheera also extended a welcome to the senior representatives from the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka who joined virtually and spoke about the next edition of “Disrupt Asia” to be held in Sri Lanka in September 2025, a major national innovation summit of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner strongly encouraged participants to attend “Disrupt Asia 2025”. 

The interactive panel discussion was moderated by Eranga Pathirage, highlighting the relevance for Sri Lanka, particularly attracting investments and making opportunities available for our talent pool. Discussion focused on a range of topics such as AI and digital innovations, strengths that Sri Lanka has in the field, global experience working with Sri Lankan tech talent, AI product companies and related FDIs. 

Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer from the ICTA, Sachindra Samararatne, presented details on the forthcoming “Disrupt Asia 2025” and engaged in an in-depth Q&A session with participants. Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission, Somasena Mahadiulwewa, represented at the Q&A Session. General Secretary of the SLUKCC, Charles Rohan de Alwis, delivered the vote of thanks.

In his opening remarks at the event, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK further appreciated the SLUKCC for their sustained efforts in supporting joint promotional initiatives organised with the High Commission. He highlighted the evolving new political, economic and social landscape in Sri Lanka led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government, prioritising transparency, accountability and inclusivity. This has inspired renewed investor confidence both domestically and internationally. The country is moving forward with bold institutional reforms, the restoration of the rule of law and policy consistency. 

Outlining Sri Lanka-UK trade relations, the High Commissioner outlined that the UK remains as the second-largest export destination for Sri Lanka with a market share of 7.5% and exports valued at over USD 900 million in 2024. Apparel exports to the UK have grown by nearly 6.5% in the first half of 2025. This positive trend will be further supported by the introduction of more flexible Rules of Origin for apparel by the UK Government under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which will come into effect in early 2026. 

He pointed out that the UK is also Sri Lanka’s second-largest source of FDI, with total investments of approximately USD 1.7 billion from 2005 to 2024, spanning over 75 projects, especially in ICT, BPO/KPOs. Also, the UK is the second biggest source of tourists to Sri Lanka with over 120,000 arrivals by mid-July this year, with the expectation to reach 225,000 by year-end, returning to the pre-pandemic level, he added. (Newswire)

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning roles recorded a significant 42 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in June 2025, highlighted the Monthly Economic Review released by the Department of Economic Affairs.

The report also stated that hiring in Global Capability Centres (GCCs) also rose by 9 per cent YoY, reflecting India’s expanding role in global services delivery.

It stated, “AI and machine learning roles saw 42 per cent YoY growth.”

The report further highlighted that fresher hiring witnessed a notable 11 per cent YoY rise in June 2025, pointing to improved employment opportunities for new entrants.

The overall labour market remained steady, with white-collar hiring showing a strong rebound, supported by a double-digit growth on a yearly basis.

Formal job creation continued to gain momentum, with the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recording an all-time high in net member additions during May 2025. The EPFO added 20.06 lakh members in May, the highest monthly figure since it began tracking payroll data in April 2018.

The department also cited findings from the Naukri JobSpeak June 2025 report, which confirmed a revival in India’s white-collar job market.

The hiring index rose to 2,854 in June 2025, registering a 10.5 per cent YoY increase in hiring activity across sectors, cities, and experience levels.

The rise in hiring was led by the insurance sector, which saw a 32 per cent YoY jump. It was followed by hospitality and travel at 21 per cent, BPO and ITES at 19 per cent, real estate at 16 per cent, oil and gas/power at 15 per cent, healthcare at 11 per cent, and education and FMCG at 10 per cent.

India’s manufacturing and services sectors also continued to contribute to job creation. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) employment sub-index stayed in the expansionary zone for the 16th consecutive month.

While manufacturing employment growth increased, the services sector saw a slight easing from the record levels achieved in May 2025.

An analysis of EPFO’s new subscriber data for May 2025 showed that 59.5 per cent of new members were in the 18-25 age group, 22.8 per cent were aged 26-35, and 16.6 per cent were over 35.

This indicates that a large portion of the organised workforce is made up of young adults, primarily first-time job seekers.

The report concluded that the increase in formal job creation and workforce participation reflects the consistent efforts by the government to generate employment opportunities for the country’s aspiring workforce. (ANI)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AI Singapore, a national program run by the National University of Singapore, to support Sri Lanka’s strategic goals in artificial intelligence.

The partnership aims to facilitate joint AI research, educational programs, and collaborative efforts to tackle both local and global challenges, the government said.

The initiative will be formalized through the Ministry of Digital Economy, under a proposal presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy.

AI Singapore is a programme supported by the National Research Foundation and hosted by the National University of Singapore. Launched in May 2017, it brings together Singapore’s research institutions and a dynamic ecosystem of AI startups and companies to conduct applied research, develop tools, advance knowledge, and build talent to drive the country’s AI initiatives.(Newswire)

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The Ministry of Digital Economy says steps are being taken to develop translation software for the Sinhala and Tamil languages using AI technology. 

According to Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratna, several universities, including the University of Moratuwa, along with the private sector, are collaborating to create this software.

He further stated that the software will be made available for the public within the next six months.

The Deputy Minister revealed that the new software will have the capability to translate spoken Sinhala content into Tamil within seconds, and vice versa. (Newswire)

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