The Ministry of Digital Economy and SLT-MOBITEL today (5) officially launched Sri Lanka AI Week 2026, a national initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence adoption and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional AI hub.

Scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 4, 2026, under the theme “AI Amplified,” the event will bring together policymakers, businesses, researchers, startups, students and technology leaders to drive the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.

Building on the success of Sri Lanka’s first National AI Expo and Conference held in 2025, this year’s programme will feature four flagship events: AI Leaders Night, AI Conference, AI Expo, and the National AI Awards.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said Sri Lanka must evolve from being a consumer of global technology services to becoming a producer of AI-powered solutions, adding that stronger AI capabilities and research and development would be key to achieving the country’s export ambitions.

The event also saw the unveiling of the official Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 website.

Among the highlights of the week will be the National AI Awards, which will recognise achievements across more than 16 sectors in categories including National Awards, Industry Excellence, Innovation & Future, and AI for Content.

During the launch, SLT-MOBITEL also introduced two new AI-focused initiatives: SMART AI, described as South Asia’s first AI tokenisation platform, and AI Hub, a national AI engagement platform designed to connect learners, researchers, academia, industry and government through a single digital ecosystem.

SLT Group Chairman Mothilal de Silva said the company is undertaking its largest AI transformation programme this year, including the expansion of 5G networks, modernisation of digital infrastructure and upgrades to AI data centres.

The launch event was attended by Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy and GovTech Sri Lanka Chairman Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, SLT-MOBITEL CEO Riyaaz Rasheed and other government and industry representatives.