Sri Lanka–Japan to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation and AI
Newswire: Sri Lanka and Japan are set to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), following high‑level talks between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratna and Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Digital Economy on 14 August, centered on two priority areas: expediting the digital television project and resolving its technical challenges, as well as exploring the local manufacture of set‑top boxes to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic industries.
In addition, both sides discussed establishing a National AI Data Centre to support future AI infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Plans include capacity‑building programs, training, developing AI solutions tailored to local needs, and exchanging international technical expertise and best practices.
The Ministry of Digital Economy expressed appreciation for JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation, while Deputy Minister Weeraratna emphasized that these initiatives will be advanced successfully, further reinforcing the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s expanding digital economy is creating a growing range of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors, as the country accelerates its transition towards a more technology-driven economy. Recent discussions between Sri Lanka and Japan on digital transformation and AI highlight the increasing international interest in the sector. Talks with JICA have focused on advancing the digital television project, exploring local manufacture of set-top boxes and establishing a National AI Data Centre. These initiatives point to opportunities beyond traditional IT services, particularly in AI infrastructure, data centres, digital broadcasting, hardware manufacturing, cloud services, cybersecurity and technology skills development. The proposed National AI Data Centre could also create demand for specialised infrastructure, software, training and locally developed AI solutions. For foreign businesses/investors, Sri Lanka’s expanding digital ecosystem offers opportunities to partner with local companies, establish technology operations and participate in emerging digital infrastructure projects. Local manufacturing of set-top boxes and other digital hardware could further support investment aimed at replacing imports while building export-oriented production capacity. With the Sri Lankan Government placing greater emphasis on digital transformation and AI, and international partners showing increasing interest, Sri Lanka’s digital industry is emerging as a promising area for foreign investment, technology partnerships and knowledge transfer.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260819Z_1 |