AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 drives nation’s digital future
Daily Mirror: The AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT was successfully held on 22 May at Waters Edge, Colombo. The high-impact summit themed “Next Generation AI & Data Analytics: Skills and Thoughts for the Intelligent Future” brought together senior policymakers, global technology experts, industry leaders, academics, and innovators to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics are reshaping the nation’s digital and economic future.
The event, endorsed by the Ministry of Digital Economy, was graced by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, who attended as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to advancing AI adoption, digital innovation, and data-driven governance in support of Sri Lanka’s broader public sector transformation agenda. Dr. Sadeep Jayasumana, Chief Scientist at Octave, delivered the keynote address on Generative AI, sharing insights into its transformative potential.
Speaking on the significance of the summit, Prof. Lasith Gunawardena, Chairman the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT noted that Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics have become present-day enablers of innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. He emphasised that the summit was guided by BCS’s purpose of Making IT Good for Society and by the national need to bring together thought leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the responsible adoption of transformative technologies, thereby strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital readiness and supporting a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.
Ransith Fernando, Chair of the summit mentioned, “This year’s summit brought together 21 speakers who shared valuable insights, ideas, and experiences. We heard inspiring success stories, gained practical knowledge from industry practitioners, and explored strategic perspectives from business leaders. These conversations highlighted both the opportunity and the responsibility before us. While innovation is accelerating globally, Sri Lanka must align policy, talent, and industry readiness to truly operationalize AI at scale and ensure an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.”
Deshan Liyanage, Co-Chair of the AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 commented that this year’s summit was a fully sold-out event, reflecting the growing national momentum around Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Sri Lanka. He extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants who joined and contributed to the success of the summit, as well as to the sponsors whose support made the event possible. Special appreciation was conveyed to Sysco LABS as the Strategic Partner, Linear Six as the Bronze Partner, InTalent Asia as the Resource Partner, and Motivista as the Event Partner. He also acknowledged the valuable collaboration of industry associations including SLASSCOM, FITIS, and CSSL, whose partnership helped strengthen and elevate the initiative.
OSL take:
The successful hosting of the AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 by the BCS Sri Lanka Section at Waters Edge Colombo underscores Sri Lanka’s accelerating transition toward a knowledge-driven digital economy. Bringing together policymakers, global technology experts, industry leaders, and academics, the summit highlighted how AI and data analytics are rapidly reshaping both public services and private-sector competitiveness. Sri Lanka’s ongoing nationwide digitisation programme signals a clear strategic shift toward building an integrated digital economy, with reforms and investments spanning governance, finance, healthcare, education, and trade facilitation. This transformation is creating a strong foundation for innovation-led growth and increasing the country’s attractiveness as a regional technology hub. For foreign investors/technology firms, this evolving landscape presents expanding business/investment opportunities in areas such as AI solution development, data infrastructure, cloud services, fintech, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and digital public infrastructure. As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows across industries, Sri Lanka offers a promising entry point for companies seeking to serve both domestic modernisation needs and wider South Asian markets. Overall, the convergence of policy support, talent development, and rising enterprise adoption positions Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for strategic investment in the digital and AI economy.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260611Z_3 |