Exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Dr Yasantha for Sri Lanka. 25th January 2026

The discussion focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and why, as a developing nation, we must not miss the AI boom—especially given the advantages we possess, such as a younger population, an education-oriented youth, and expatriates who are willing to guide and support national development.

There are six key messages to take away from this meeting. Please share this widely with your contacts, and particularly with policymakers:

1.     AI represents the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and we must not miss this opportunity, as we partially did during the Second and Third Industrial Revolutions.

2.     Sri Lanka has the potential to leapfrog to developed-nation status by effectively adopting and utilising AI.

3.     By 2030, AI is expected to generate approximately 15% of global GDP, and Sri Lanka must position itself to be part of this growth.

4.     AI is a discovery with virtually limitless potential. Please see the insights shared by Dr Yasantha during his talk. Universities, in particular, should be encouraged and supported to innovate.

5.     Consider introducing a “nomad visa” for professionals working in foreign countries, allowing them to use Sri Lanka as a holiday and remote-working hub. This would be a win-win approach—promoting AI engagement while also generating tourism income for the country.

6.     Incorporating AI into education will make it easier to produce a skilled workforce within a shorter period. Memory-recall components can largely be offloaded to AI, allowing education systems to focus more on critical thinking, creativity, and skill development.