Sri Lanka Launches AI National Strategy

Published Date: 1/09/2024

Funding would be allocated to sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, public sector services, and public safety

Sri Lanka has launched a new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to align with national and international best practices. The strategy, which has received a Rs 1 billion budget allocation for 2024, is being funded collaboratively by the Treasury and the United Nations Development Programme.The strategy was developed by a committee that included volunteers from the private sector, international organisations, Lankan experts overseas, and the state sector. Additional support came from the World Bank, SLASSCOM, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and FITIS.

The National Centre for AI (NCAI) will manage the operations of the strategy, and will allocate funding to sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, public sector services, and public safety. These sectors were selected for their readiness and potential to demonstrate early AI adoption and impactIn the healthcare sector, AI will be used for areas such as diagnostics, patient management, and predictive analytics for disease outbreaks. The education sector will introduce AI-driven tools for personalised learning, administrative automation, and intelligent tutoring systems.AI is also set to be used by the finance sector for fraud detection, customer service automation, and risk management. In agriculture, experts will employ AI to optimise crop management and yields using data from satellites and drones.

Public sector services are also being set up for an AI-based streamlining process, particularly by automating routine administrative tasks, enhancing public engagement, and improving policy decision-making. Public safety initiatives will use predictive policing to anticipate crime patterns and AI-driven disaster management systems for real-time response and resource allocation.The NCAI will also manage the development of shared AI infrastructure, including cloud platforms accessible to startups, researchers, and government agencies. This infrastructure will be designed with security, scalability, and sustainability in mind.

The strategy also proposes the development of AI-related legislation, addressing issues such as data privacy, ethics, and security to ensure that legal frameworks keep pace with technological advancements.Several projects are planned for 2024, including the establishment of AI clubs in educational institutions, the production of AI-supported educational films, and nationwide AI awareness campaigns targeting school children.

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is a significant step forward for Sri Lanka, as it aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. The strategy is aligned with national and international best practices, and is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors.The National Centre for AI (NCAI) is a key player in the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The NCAI is staffed with a team of AI scientists, data engineers, software developers, and specialists in AI governance and ethics.

FAQS:

Q: What is the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy?

A: The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is a plan to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for citizens in Sri Lanka.

Q: Who developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy?

A: The strategy was developed by a committee that included volunteers from the private sector, international organisations, Lankan experts overseas, and the state sector.

Q: What sectors will receive funding under the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy?

A: Funding will be allocated to sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, public sector services, and public safety.

Q: What is the role of the National Centre for AI (NCAI) in the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy?

A: The NCAI will manage the operations of the strategy, and will allocate funding to various sectors. The NCAI is staffed with a team of AI scientists, data engineers, software developers, and specialists in AI governance and ethics.

Q: What are some of the projects planned for 2024 under the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy?

A: Several projects are planned for 2024, including the establishment of AI clubs in educational institutions, the production of AI-supported educational films, and nationwide AI awareness campaigns targeting school children.

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