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Microsoft to help empower Sri Lankan through Cloud and AI technologies
In a bid to strengthen commitment and partnership towards the South Asia region, Puneet Chandok, the president of Microsoft India and South Asia, made his inaugural visit to Sri Lanka in March 2024, since taking office in September 2023, Microsoft said.
Building on the two-decade journey of empowering the people of Sri Lanka through Cloud and AI technologies, Puneet engaged in discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during his two-day visit. The discussions explored the transformative potential of AI in uplifting societies and communities, while discussing how innovative technological solutions can propel Sri Lanka towards becoming a digital nation.
Fostering global competitiveness and investing into the digital future of the country, Microsoft and the Ministry of Education joined forces with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate AI to the national school curriculum starting grade 8, thereby equipping students with essential skills for the future. This marks a significant milestone for the education landscape of Sri Lanka, Microsoft said.
Commenting on his debut visit representing Microsoft in Sri Lanka, Puneet Chandok, president, Microsoft India and South Asia, remarked, “I am honored to continue building on Microsoft’s two-decade-long legacy in Sri Lanka with a renewed thrust towards AI innovation that puts people first. During my meeting with President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Gunawardena, we discussed how Microsoft can build on its partnership with the government of Sri Lanka towards solving challenges faced by the communities. The MoU with the Ministry of Education is exemplary of that work, and we are proud to play a role in advancing Sri Lanka’s innovation agenda with a boost towards the ICT sector. It was truly inspiring to witness the steps Sri Lanka is taking to ensure inclusivity in innovation. As AI continues to be the defining technology of our time, Microsoft is committed to being Sri Lanka’s copilot for economic and societal transformation.”
Lastly, concluding in a truly collaborative manner, the visit also witnessed Puneet engaging with key business leaders and CXOs in a special session called “Microsoft CEO Connect”, wherein the group catalyzed dynamic conversations on the disruptive potential of AI across industries, and discussed Microsoft’s role in equipping Sri Lankan organizations with cutting-edge technologies to advance innovation.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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