AI presents both opportunities and responsibilities: PM Harini

Newswire reports that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya attended the University of Colombo International Conference 2026 as chief guest and spoke on Wednesday, October 28. The event took place at the university’s Faculty of Medicine and ran for two days, October 28 and 29.

Newswire reports that Amarasuriya said artificial intelligence could support education, research, public services and new economic activity. She also pointed to risks involving inaccurate content, bias, personal-data protection and unequal access, and called for AI to be used responsibly.

Newswire reports that the prime minister urged greater digital literacy and said human judgement, accountability and the public interest should guide decisions involving AI. She described universities and research bodies as important to Sri Lanka’s future through knowledge creation, critical thinking and solutions to national issues.

Newswire reports that Amarasuriya said fair access to good-quality education is a national duty and that development gains should be shared across communities. She added that research should address national priorities and innovation should benefit the public, with opportunities from new technologies available across society. She called for sustained cooperation among stakeholders and shared responsibility.

Newswire reports that the conference’s theme brought together inclusive development, artificial intelligence, sustainability and innovation.