AI Workshop: Boosting Public Service Efficiency and Productivity

Published Date : 15-06-2025 

A special workshop titled 'AI for Transforming Public Service' was held at Temple Trees, attended by officials from the Presidential Secretariat. The event aimed to raise awareness and prepare officials for the digitalization of the public sector. 

A special workshop on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the public service into a more productive and efficient entity was held today (15) at Temple Trees.

Titled “AI for Transforming Public Service,” the workshop was attended by officials of the Presidential Secretariat. It aimed to serve as an initial orientation for a major government initiative, the digitalization of the public service, by raising awareness and preparing officials, while also fostering a positive perception of artificial intelligence within the public sector.

Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Senior Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, delivered the keynote address. Sanjaya Karunaseena, Executive Director of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka, also presented a brief address. Subsequently, Harsha Purasinghe and Samisa Abeysinghe, board members of ICTA, conducted awareness sessions incorporating practical demonstrations.

The event was also attended by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr. Roshan Gamage, and several other senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat.

The Presidential Media Division is fully responsible for socializing the views, actions, decisions, and statements of His Excellency the President through the media. Electronic, print, and new media will contribute to this through a credible and engaging approach. The media department works as a source of information on the subject of the President’s vision and mission by maintaining good coordination with public and private media organizations and journalists. National policies, plans, and measures are explained to the people through the use of high-quality media. Identify the fallacies and reveal the truth.

The workshop was a significant step towards integrating advanced technologies like AI into the public sector, which is expected to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the overall service delivery to the public. The attendees were provided with hands-on experience and insights into how AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure transparency in government operations.

The initiative is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that aims to modernize the public sector and align it with global standards. The use of AI is seen as a key component in achieving these goals, and the workshop served as a crucial platform for building the necessary skills and understanding among public officials.

Moving forward, the government plans to conduct more such workshops and training sessions to ensure that all stakeholders are well-prepared for the digital era. The ultimate goal is to create a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric public service system in Sri Lanka. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of the workshop?

A: The main goal of the workshop is to raise awareness and prepare officials for the digitalization of the public service, specifically focusing on the use of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Q: Who delivered the keynote address?

A: Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Senior Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, delivered the keynote address.

Q: What role does the Presidential Media Division play?

A: The Presidential Media Division is responsible for socializing the views, actions, decisions, and statements of the President through various media channels, ensuring a credible and engaging approach.

Q: How is AI expected to benefit the public sector?

A: AI is expected to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, enhance service delivery, and ensure transparency in government operations, ultimately making the public sector more efficient and citizen-centric.

Q: What is the broader digital transformation strategy?

A: The broader digital transformation strategy aims to modernize the public sector and align it with global standards, with AI being a key component in achieving these goals. 

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