Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lanka has taken a major step toward advancing its digital future by joining forces with Singapore to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and improve its national cybersecurity systems. The move is part of a broader push by the Sri Lankan government to embrace modern technologies and speed up its digital transformation through global partnerships and institutional reforms. Recognizing the growing role of AI in both public and private sectors, Sri Lanka is looking to balance technological progress with strong cybersecurity protections. The government has highlighted that the use of AI must be accompanied by adequate cybersecurity measures. This is regarded as critical for increasing public trust in digital services and guaranteeing the security of national data systems.
Also read: Modi’s historic visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple: A celebration of 1000 years of Chola legacy!
As part of this endeavor, Sri Lanka will shortly undertake joint research on AI development with Singapore. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy and the National University of Singapore. The agreement establishes official collaboration between the two governments in AI research and knowledge exchange. The Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed at NUS’ Kent Ridge campus. Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at NUS, represented AI Singapore, the university’s national AI program. Sri Lanka was represented by High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake. The agreement sets the stage for joint work on AI innovation, research programs, and policy frameworks aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s capacity in this fast-evolving field.
Also read: Modi’s Historic Milestone: Has India Found Its Most Unstoppable Prime Minister?
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Liew said Singapore was proud to support Sri Lanka’s digital goals and eager to share its experience in developing AI systems that serve both government and business needs. He stated that such partnerships demonstrate a shared confidence in the potential of AI to make a positive difference. High Commissioner Dissanayake lauded AI Singapore and the National Research Foundation for their continued support. He described the collaboration as a major step toward establishing an inclusive and future-ready digital economy in Sri Lanka. Also present at the ceremony were Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, Deputy Executive Chairman of AI Singapore; James Kok, Head of AIAP-X at AI Singapore; and Ahamed Razee, Minister and Head of Chancery at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore, along with other senior officials.
Also read:Â How the new India-UK FTA may reshape global trade
This collaboration was the result of the discussions held during Asia Tech x Singapore 2025, a major regional tech event. At the event, officials discussed plans for AI training, digital policy development, and support for e-governance and infrastructure modernization. The partnership is part of Sri Lanka’s long-term goal of creating a powerful national AI environment that involves finance and digital security initiatives. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister of Digital Economy, presented the government’s proposal for partnering with Singapore, which involves ambitions for joint academic programs, research projects, and knowledge exchanges. At the same time, Sri Lanka is enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Cabinet has granted approval for the formation of a new Cyber Threat and Malware Analysis Research Unit inside the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT). This unit will be responsible for the detection and response to cyber threats, finding malware, and training the potential staff to protect the country’s digital infrastructure. As a result, the digital projects like the Sri Lanka Digital Identity Card, the National Data Sharing Platform, and the ongoing development of the Lanka Government Cloud all focus on improving the country’s digital infrastructure. According to authorities, defending these systems from any attack is critical for the country’s digital future.
Furthermore, the government has previously said that cybersecurity and technological innovation would remain top priorities. The Ministry of Digital Economy will manage these activities as part of its mission to modernize public services and promote digital governance. Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s collaboration with Singapore, as well as its investments in AI and cybersecurity, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to digital development focused on providing a safer, better future for its citizens.
