Google has agreed to provide its advanced AI platform, Gemini, along with other premium student benefits, free of charge to Sri Lankan students, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne revealed on Monday (29).

The announcement, marks the culmination of months of collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Google.

The initiative will grant students across the country access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools, cloud computing platforms, and digital learning resources — all at no cost.

“This is a game changer,” said Deputy Minister Weeraratne. “It will level the playing field and put our students on par with anyone, anywhere in the world.”

The move is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s national capacity in AI development and digital literacy, empowering the next generation to innovate, solve complex challenges, and compete globally.

However, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of ethical use, urging students to wield these powerful tools responsibly and for the greater good of society.

“This is not just about using AI,” he added. “It’s about mastering it — with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.”

The rollout of the program is expected to begin soon, with further details to be announced by the Ministry.