Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka and China have explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and the digital economy, including potential Chinese support for establishing a National Sovereign AI Computing Centre in Sri Lanka.
The discussions took place on 14 October at the Ministry of Digital Economy between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang.
The meeting focused on Sri Lanka's digital transformation priorities, expanding bilateral cooperation in AI and digital technologies, and developing a framework for collaboration through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital cooperation.
Deputy Minister Weeraratne highlighted the importance of establishing an AI Data Excellence Centre, strengthening AI-related skills and governance, expanding research and development, and attracting new investment to support the country's digital economy.
Ambassador Wei expressed interest in strengthening technological cooperation during his tenure in Sri Lanka and highlighted China's experience in integrating AI into traditional industries, including agriculture. He also discussed opportunities for sharing technical knowledge and expertise to support Sri Lanka's proposed AI computing infrastructure.
A key focus of the discussions was the proposed National Sovereign AI Computing Centre, intended to strengthen Sri Lanka's capacity to develop and deploy AI technologies while maintaining appropriate safeguards for citizens' data. The Deputy Minister noted that although Sri Lanka currently lacks the infrastructure required for the full implementation of sovereign AI capabilities, progress has been made through smaller-scale AI data centres designed to support data security.
The discussions also addressed the use of AI and digital technologies within public institutions, including the Legal Draftsman's Department and Parliament. The participants considered the importance of capacity building, research and development, and the development of appropriate governance arrangements to support the responsible adoption of AI across different sectors.
Ambassador Wei invited Sri Lanka to join the proposed World AI Cooperation Organization, presenting it as an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore further avenues for international cooperation in AI. He also briefed the Sri Lankan delegation on progress under existing bilateral memoranda of understanding.
Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Varuna Sri Dhanapala stated that a draft MoU on digital cooperation was being formulated following the recent visits of Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister to China. The process involves relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General's Department and GovTech leadership.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy, highlighted the contribution of technological cooperation to the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and China.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Chinese Embassy, including Economic and Commercial Counsellor Tang Yandi and Third Secretary Lu Wenjing, as well as other Chinese officials and Faizal Salieh, Director General (Planning) of the Ministry of Digital Economy.