Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, societies, and governance worldwide. For Sri Lanka, AI offers an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation, improve public service delivery, attract investment, and strengthen its position as a South Asian technology hub. At the same time, AI introduces risks related to privacy, ethics, misinformation, employment, and national security.

This roadmap outlines Sri Lanka’s legislative and regulatory strategy for AI, balancing innovation with safeguards, and ensuring AI adoption aligns with national values, human rights, and sustainable development goals.

Vision

To establish Sri Lanka as a responsible AI-driven economy by 2030—fostering innovation, ensuring accountability, and building public trust in AI systems.

Guiding Principles

  1. Human-Centric AI – AI must respect human rights, dignity, and cultural values.

  2. Transparency & Accountability – AI systems must be explainable and auditable.

  3. Data Protection & Privacy – Strong safeguards for personal and sensitive data.

  4. Fairness & Non-Discrimination – AI systems should avoid bias and exclusion.

  5. Security & Sovereignty – Protecting critical infrastructure and national interests.

  6. Innovation-Friendly Regulation – Creating an environment that encourages startups and investment.

Strategic Pillars

  1. Data Infrastructure

    • Establish a National Data Exchange for secure sharing across sectors.

    • Align with the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) system.

    • Encourage open government data initiatives.

  2. AI Skills & Workforce Development

    • Integrate AI and digital literacy into secondary and tertiary curricula.

    • Fund AI research scholarships and professional certifications.

    • Support re-skilling programs for workers impacted by automation.

  3. AI Infrastructure & Access

    • Create national AI Cloud Platforms and high-performance computing facilities.

    • Provide incentives for local and international firms to host AI R&D centers in Sri Lanka.

  4. Research & Development

    • Establish AI Centers of Excellence in universities.

    • Fund applied research in agriculture, healthcare, transport, disaster management.

    • Incentivize public-private partnerships in AI innovation.

  5. Public Awareness & Trust

    • Launch nationwide awareness campaigns on AI’s benefits and risks.

    • Create an AI Ethics Helpline for citizens to report concerns.

Legislative & Regulatory Framework

  1. AI Governance Authority

    • Establish a Sri Lanka Digital Economy & AI Authority to oversee AI policy.

    • Mandate certification of high-risk AI systems (e.g., healthcare, finance, policing).

  2. Amendments to Existing Laws

    • Update the Data Protection Act to cover AI-driven profiling and automated decision-making.

    • Amend the Consumer Protection Act to address algorithmic bias and deceptive AI practices.

    • Introduce liability provisions for AI-related damages under civil law.

  3. Ethical AI Guidelines

    • Publish sector-specific ethical frameworks (e.g., healthcare AI, financial AI).

    • Require algorithmic impact assessments for government AI adoption.

  4. Sandbox Regulation

    • Create regulatory sandboxes for startups to test AI innovations under controlled environments.

Implementation Roadmap

  • 2025 (Phase 1): Public consultation, AI sandbox pilot, draft amendments to laws.

  • 2026–2027 (Phase 2): Establish AI Governance Authority, launch AI Centers of Excellence, enforce certification regime.

  • 2028–2030 (Phase 3): Achieve nationwide AI integration in public services, build export-ready AI industries, evaluate legislation.

Expected Outcomes by 2030

  • $5 billion in ICT and AI-related exports.

  • Over 500 AI-driven startups and SMEs.

  • Integration of AI into 70% of public service platforms.

  • International recognition of Sri Lanka as a responsible AI hub in South Asia.

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