The AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT was successfully held on 22nd May 2026 at Waters Edge, Colombo. The high-impact summit themed “Next Generation AI & Data Analytics: Skills & Thoughts for the Intelligent Future” brought together senior policymakers, global technology experts, industry leaders, academics, and innovators to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics are reshaping the nation’s digital and economic future.

The event, endorsed by the Ministry of Digital Economy, was graced by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, who attended as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to advancing AI adoption, digital innovation, and data-driven governance in support of Sri Lanka’s broader public sector transformation agenda. Dr. Sadeep Jayasumana, Chief Scientist at Octave, delivered the keynote address on Generative AI, sharing insights into its transformative potential.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, Prof. Lasith Gunawardena, Chairman the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT noted that Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics have become present-day enablers of innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. He emphasized that the summit was guided by BCS’s purpose of Making IT Good for Society and by the national need to bring together thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the responsible adoption of transformative technologies, thereby strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital readiness and supporting a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

Ransith Fernando, Chair of the summit mentioned ” This year’s summit brought together 21 speakers who shared valuable insights, ideas, and experiences. We heard inspiring success stories, gained practical knowledge from industry practitioners, and explored strategic perspectives from business leaders. These conversations highlighted both the opportunity and the responsibility before us. While innovation is accelerating globally, Sri Lanka must align policy, talent, and industry readiness to truly operationalize AI at scale and ensure an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.”

Deshan Liyanage, Co-Chair of the AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 commented that this year’s summit was a fully sold-out event, reflecting the growing national momentum around Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Sri Lanka. He extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants who joined and contributed to the success of the summit, as well as to the sponsors whose support made the event possible. Special appreciation was conveyed to Sysco LABS as the Strategic Partner, Linear Six as the Bronze Partner, InTalent Asia as the Resource Partner, and Motivista as the Event Partner. He also acknowledged the valuable collaboration of industry associations including SLASSCOM, FITIS, and CSSL, whose partnership helped strengthen and elevate the initiative.

As part of its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and building a stronger leadership pipeline, Eswaran Brothers Exports (EB), a leading tea manufacturer in Sri Lanka, launched its flagship women’s leadership initiative, She Transforms, a customized six-month leadership development journey. Developed with award-winning leadership expert Senela Jayasuriya and supported by Value for Women, the programme forms a key pillar of the Company’s wider gender agenda focused on leadership capacity building, inclusion and long-term institutional change.

Women make up 44% of Eswaran Brothers’ workforce, yet only 23% held senior roles at the time of an initial gender diagnostic conducted with Value for Women and supported by FMO, the Dutch Development Finance Bank. The assessment found that despite their potential, many women faced unclear career pathways and limited structural support at critical life stages.

In response, Eswaran Brothers introduced strategic mindset and policy interventions designed to remove barriers and create a more enabling environment for women to grow and lead. These efforts included mentorship opportunities, enhanced support for employees returning from maternity leave, coaching for managers, and initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusion and career progression across the organization.

The CSE continued to be vexed by deleterious trends yesterday. Middle East uncertainties continued to take their toll.

The All Share Price Index went down by 87.39 points while S and P SL20 declined by 14.53 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2 billion with seven crossings.

Those crossings were reported at JKH which crossed 13.4 million shares to the tune of Rs 258 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.90, CCS 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 137 million; its shares traded at Rs 137, Chevron Lubricants 513,000 shares crossed for Rs 102 million; its shares traded at Rs 198, Pan Asia 950,000 shares crossed for Rs 52 million; its shares sold at Rs 55, Access Engineering 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 38.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 77, Digital Mobility Solutions 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 33.4 million; its shares fetched Rs 157 and Dialog Axiata 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 22 million; its shares traded at Rs 44.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Haycarb Rs 95.8 million (632,700 shares traded), CCS Rs 66.6 million (483,000 shares traded), Aitken Spence Rs 58.7 million (425,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 57.6 million (6.2 million shares traded), Chevron Lubricant Rs 53.6 million (270,000 shares traded), Pan Asia Rs 45.7 million (828,000 shares traded) and Colombo Dockyard Rs 40 million (306,000 shares traded). During the day 82 million share volumes changed hands in 20752 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, especially JKH, performed well. Further, banking sector counters, especially HNB and Pan Asia, performed well.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 331.50/332.50 to the US dollar in the spot market on, dealers said, after being quoted at Rs 331.50/332.00 1 week spot at close the previous day, while bond yields were up.

The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was 327.00 buying, 336.00 selling; euro was 377.8880 buying, 391.8050 selling; and the pound was buying 438.8918, selling 452.9374.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne