Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to science fiction—it is reshaping industries, driving innovation, and redefining growth. The SLASSCOM AI Asia Summit 2025, themed “AI in Action”, to be held on 12 November at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, will spotlight how AI is creating measurable transformation across sectors and how Sri Lanka can position itself as a hub for responsible, scalable AI innovation.
From vision to measurable impact
SLASSCOM Board Director Arjuna Sirinanda said the Summit’s theme reflects a clear shift from experimentation to execution. “This is not just about concepts it’s about measurable impact,” he emphasized. The event will showcase real-world AI applications in finance, manufacturing, and services, highlighting how Sri Lankan firms are already embedding AI into their business processes. “What makes this summit unique is its focus on collaboration—bringing together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to turn Sri Lanka’s AI potential into tangible economic value,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, SLASSCOM Tech Forum Lead Dhaminda Siriwardena noted that the Summit provides an ideal platform for companies to see how AI is moving from theory to action. “This marks a shift from exploration to execution. Our focus on ethics, governance, and human-centered innovation ensures AI is used responsibly while driving sustainable business growth,” he said.
Positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted AI hub
SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne said Sri Lanka is strategically poised to emerge as a regional leader in AI innovation. “The South Asian region has the creativity, skills, and infrastructure to lead in responsible, scalable AI. With strong technical foundations and a growing startup ecosystem, we can develop globally competitive AI solutions that are both ethical and impactful,” she noted.
Seneviratne stressed the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate AI-driven innovation. Citing Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy Strategy and the national goal of reaching US$5 billion in tech exports by 2030, she said continued investment in skills, data infrastructure, and research is vital to turn global knowledge into local innovation.
Preparing businesses for AI integration
Commenting on how local enterprises can ready themselves for AI transformation, Seneviratne said, “Building digital maturity is essential. Companies must invest in robust data systems and equip teams to use AI strategically.” She added that the Summit will help businesses learn from global best practices, form new partnerships, and ensure that AI adoption is both practical and sustainable. “By combining internal readiness with external collaboration, organisations can align AI initiatives with long-term goals,” she stated.
The AI Asia Summit 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including Dr. Radheeka Jayasundera Abeyweera (John Keells Group), Dr. Rukshan Batuwita (Google), Dr. Subha Fernando (University of Moratuwa), Oshada Senanayake (Brandix), and Hasith Yaggahavita (99X Technology), among others.
With Sri Lanka’s rising digital momentum and emerging AI talent, the AI Asia Summit 2025 offers a timely platform to align with global trends, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate the nation’s journey toward becoming a regional leader in responsible AI innovation.
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