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Stepping into the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Launch of the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment (AIRA) for Sri Lanka
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ushering in rapid transformation across various economic sectors, promising to revolutionise industries such as agriculture, transportation, education, and healthcare. Against this backdrop, the concept of “AI readiness” has taken centre stage, with many recognizing AI’s potential to elevate public services, and work towards increasing efficiencies across multiple sectors.
Recognizing the significance of AI, the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed a committee to drive the development of Sri Lanka’s AI strategy, anchored under the Presidential Secretariat. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka, as a member of the aforementioned committee, launched the AI Readiness Assessment (AIRA), a key milestone in the process of shaping Sri Lanka’s AI strategy.
The AIRA is a tool developed by UNDP that aims to assess the current AI landscape in Sri Lanka and provide input to the overall AI strategy that will be developed next year. AIRA is composed of a comprehensive survey that gauges the insights of the public sector, plus a series of Key Informant Interviews that capture the perspectives of those within the non-governmental sectors, including academic, development partners, and private sector amongst others.
To launch the assessment and to carry out the Key Informant Interviews a mission from UNDP’s Chief Digital Office (CDO) was carried out during the 3rd week of October 2023. During this mission, experts from UNDP’s CDO conducted interviews with key stakeholders to understand the AI and digital transformation landscape of Sri Lanka. A workshop participated by more than 80 public sector officials representing numerous ministries and departments was also organized and facilitated by UNDP to launch the survey component of the AIRA.
Kanaka Herath, State Minister of Technology highlighted that, “We have already established the AI committee to formulate the National AI Strategy. AIRA will help us assess where we are as a country today to secure the benefits of AI and support the formulation of the foundation for strategy. Towards the end of this assessment, we should have data points on the AI Policy and Strategy based on key priorities such as focus areas, and foundational building blocks including data, infrastructure, and skills”.
Speaking at the workshop, Malin Herwig, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Sri Lanka noted that “AI can help us improve public services, boost economic growth, and create new jobs. But in order to reap the benefits of AI, we need to be prepared. This will help us identify the areas where we need to invest and develop a plan to utilize AI to its maximum potential, while most importantly bearing in mind the ethical use of AI.”
As we look ahead, it is evident that AI will continue to grow as a driving force in the global economy, shaping the future of industries and economies across the world. AI readiness is a pivotal determinant in a government’s capacity to thrive in the AI-driven era, contributing not only to economic prosperity but also to the well-being of its citizens in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world.
Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was merely following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, rather than fulfilling the promises made during the previous elections.
Speaking at the SJB’s May Day rally at the Lindula Municipal Council Grounds, Talawakele, Premadasa said that the President had given in to demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), just like his predecessor.
“President Dissanayake has capitulated to the IMF and agreed to increase electricity tariffs. We have received reliable information that the tariff hike will come into effect after May 6,” he said.
“We are living in an era when the rights of working people are suppressed. The previous government and the incumbent one have targeted the EPF and the ETF in the name of debt restructuring. But we have always stood up for workers’ rights—and we always will.”This government has come to power by deceiving the public.
Premadasa expressed confidence that the SJB would win commanding majorities in local government bodies and called on President Dissanayake not to think the people would continue to be misled by the NPP’s lies.
The Opposition Leader accused the government of misleading the public about energy prices. Despite its promise of a 33% reduction in electricity tariffs, the government was planning to increase them.
“Why does the President continue to lie to the people? We urge the public to vote for the SJB and send a clear message to this government.
By Kamal Bogoda and Akitha Perera
Chief Inspector of Police Ashoka Ariyawansa, who served as the Chief Security Officer to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been transferred with immediate effect to the Kankesanthurai Police Station.
The transfer, approved by the National Police Commission, follows emerging reports of a controversial phone call involving Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, who is currently in the custody of the CID.
According to initial investigations, Pillayan had reportedly requested to speak with former President Wickremesinghe while in custody. It is alleged that an investigating officer facilitated the call, raising serious procedural concerns.
CI Ariyawansa, a senior officer in the Ministerial Security Division (MSD), has had a longstanding association with Wickremesinghe, having served on his personal security detail for 23 years, including 15 years as his Chief Personal Security Officer.
While no formal charges have been brought against CI Ariyawansa, the transfer is understood to be linked to an ongoing internal investigation into the incident.Commenting on the matter, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga told The Island that the officer’s transfer was a precautionary administrative measure pending the outcome of the inquiry.
By Hemantha Randunu
Three trains had derailed within 24 hours in Colombo and Polgahawela without causing any injuries, the Railway Department said.
Two trains derailed between Maradana and Fort Railway Stations on Wednesday (30) and yesterday (1) morning and another train derailed near the Polgahawela Station on Wednesday night.
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