Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ A major agreement was reached between the Ministry of Education and Microsoft Corporation at the Presidential Secretariat, marking the beginning of a pilot project aimed at incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum in Sri Lanka. According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), this initiative will allow students above Grade 8 to explore AI concepts within the realm of Information Technology.
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The pilot project is scheduled to be implemented in 20 selected schools across 20 districts, along with a provision of suitable classrooms and essential technical equipment. Accordingly, Microsoft will provide a dedicated team to support online educational activities. Before the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), President Ranil Wickremesinghe held a meeting with the delegates from Microsoft at the President’s Office. During their discussion, the representatives assured the Sri Lankan premier of their full support in integrating AI into the educational system.
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During the event, Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft’s India and South Asia region, extended his appreciation for Wickremesinghe’s leadership in driving Sri Lanka’s progress through the incorporation of new technologies like AI. Additionally, education minister Susil Premjayanth revealed that the program aims for complete implementation by 2025. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, who addressed the event, emphasized the major opportunity presented by this initiative for the Sri Lankan people, urging all to maximize its potential. Chung also highlighted forthcoming support from volunteer groups to enhance the English language skills of Sri Lankan people and students.
The event was attended by prominent delegates from Microsoft and Sri Lanka education ministry, including Kanaka Herath, Technology State Minister; Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff; Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the Education Ministry; Dharmasiri Kumaratunga, Secretary to Technology Ministry, as well as senior officials from Microsoft. Additionally, representatives from various educational institutions such as D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, and students, teachers, and principals from Muslim Ladies College, Pussellawa Hindu National School, and Tangalle Girls’ College also attended the event.
