Data, AI, and Sri Lanka’s future: What challenges must be overcome for a smarter tomorrow?

Unlocking Data for Artificial Intelligence in Sri Lanka: LIRNEasia hosts exclusive forum in Colombo

LIRNEasia hosted a forum on December 7, 2024, titled “Unlocking Data for Artificial Intelligence in Sri Lanka” at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, Colombo. The event brought together AI experts, data scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore practical ways to leverage data and artificial intelligence for informed decision-making and meaningful societal and organizational impact.

The session featured several examples of successful and unsuccessful data projects from around the world, offering insights into practical challenges, best practices for initiating data projects, and the importance of addressing ethical concerns and trade-offs in data and AI initiatives.

Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, Chair of LIRNEasia, opened the session by highlighting the organization’s ongoing work with AI and machine learning to address societal and policy issues. LIRNEasia Team Lead for Data, Algorithms, & Policy, Merl Chandana, noted that while data is crucial for AI, its practical application can be challenging. He concluded by summarizing the session’s focus: “Despite these challenges, interest in AI continues to grow due to its potential. This forum will explore how to effectively obtain and use data, the risks involved, and the importance of ethical and responsible data usage.”

In his keynote speech, Adolfo De Unanue, Director of Research at the School of Government and Public Transformation and leader of the Artificial Intelligence for Public Value Initiative at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico, shared international examples. These included optimizing logistics at Mexico’s Port of Veracruz and using AI to improve efficiency of criminal case resolutions. He emphasized that success requires more than data and technical skills, noting, “Clear goals and strong leadership are essential.”