Copy not global AI models but develop own: Experts tell SL

To successfully execute its national Artificial Intelligence strategy, Sri Lanka must establish a central coordinating body such as a National Al Centre and forge its own path rather than copying models from Silicon Valley or China.

- By NISHEL FERNANDO

This was the consensus among a panel of global and local experts speaking at the inaugural National Al Expo and Conference 2025, an initiative pioneered by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-Mobitel, in Colombo this week.

During a fireside chat on “Global Lessons in Al Strategy Execution,” industry experts stressed that while Sri Lanka has a solid 68-page Al strategy document, the real challenge lies in implementation, a phase where an estimated 95 percent of Al projects globally fail.

The discussion, moderated by Tony Kalcina, CEO of Clarity, focused on practical steps to bridge the gap between strategy and successful, impactful execution.

A key recommendation emerging from the discussion was the urgent need for a National Al Centre. Dr. Mahendra Samarawickrama, an OECD Al expert and a contributor to Sri Lanka's Al strategy, joined the panel remotely from Australia.

He argued that such a centre would be critical to breaking down existing silos where Al development currently occurs in isolation across universities and private entities.