Sri Lanka must move from technology consumer to global innovator: PM Harini
Sri Lanka must move beyond being a consumer of technologies developed overseas and work towards becoming an innovative nation capable of creating and providing technological solutions to the world, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.Addressing the National Science Foundation (NSF) Award Ceremony for Science Popularization 2026 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, the Prime Minister identified science, technology and innovation as key drivers of Sri Lanka’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.The ceremony, organized by the National Science Foundation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, was held under the theme “AI for Safety and Resilience.” Schoolchildren, teachers, scientists and media personnel were recognized for their contributions to science popularization.Prime Minister Amarasuriya said artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way people live, work and communicate and could play an important role in strengthening disaster preparedness, improving public safety, protecting the environment and supporting decision-making.However, she cautioned that the rapid development of AI also presents challenges, including cybersecurity threats, data-privacy breaches, misinformation and algorithmic bias, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.
“If this technology is misused or used irresponsibly, it could pose a serious threat to the stability of society as well as democratic values,” she said, stressing the need to maximize AI’s benefits while safeguarding society against its potential negative impacts.The Prime Minister said the government’s vision, outlined in its manifesto “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, is to transform Sri Lanka into a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
She said innovation should not be understood solely as technological invention, but also as the development of simple, appropriate and efficient solutions to social and economic challenges. According to Prime Minister Amarasuriya, the present government has initiated steps to establish technological standards across the public and private sectors through the National AI and Digital Transformation Framework.
The government is also working to strengthen STEM education and digital literacy within schools while promoting the commercialization of innovations emerging from universities and research institutions, with the aim of introducing them to both local and international markets.The Prime Minister also urged students and researchers to develop a culture of curiosity and innovation by asking questions, exploring new ideas and applying science and technology to address national challenges.She called for Sri Lanka to become an active participant and leader in the development of AI and other emerging technologies.
“We must become leaders and active participants in the development of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies,” she said, emphasizing the need to build a country that shares technology with the world rather than simply importing it.
Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Ministry Secretary Dr. Roshani Dissanayake, NSF Chairman Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, NSF Director General Professor Shiromi Perera and other officials, scientists, teachers and school students attended the ceremony.
