AI offers both opportunity and responsibility, PM tells University of Colombo

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed the University of Colombo International Conference 2026 as chief guest on Tuesday, underscoring the dual nature of artificial intelligence in contemporary society. The two-day conference, held at the Main Auditorium of UCFM Tower within the Faculty of Medicine, brought together academics, policymakers, and industry experts to examine emerging technologies and their societal implications.

The conference, themed "Advancing an Inclusive Future through AI, Sustainability and Innovation," provided a platform for discussions on how technological advancement can be harnessed responsibly. The Prime Minister's opening address centered on balancing the transformative opportunities presented by AI with the ethical obligations societies must uphold in its development and deployment.

The conference proceedings on October 28-29 examined intersections between artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and innovation strategies relevant to South Asian development priorities. Sessions explored practical applications of emerging technologies while addressing concerns about equitable access and responsible implementation across different sectors of the economy.

The University of Colombo's decision to host the international conference reflects Sri Lanka's growing engagement with global conversations on technological governance and inclusive development frameworks.