SLT-MOBITEL
SLT-MOBITEL LAUNCHES RS. 100 MILLION NATIONAL AI FUND
For the first time, SLT-MOBITEL will formulate a special National AI Fund to encourage and support start-ups, disclosed Chairman of SLT-MOBITEL Dr. Mothilal De Silva, at the launch of Sri Lanka’s first National AI Expo & Conference, which will be held from September 29 to 30 at the Monarch Imperial.
Speaking to LMD, he said they hope to raise funds for this initiative through the AI Expo and other means, and plan to initiate the fund with Rs. 100 million.
“SLT-MOBITEL recognises the immense potential of artificial intelligence and through a fund of this nature; we can help drive the country’s digital future. The proposed fund will be our legacy contribution towards building a digitally inclusive and prosperous Sri Lanka,” he adds.
De Silva noted that through the National AI Expo and Conference, they are committed to ensuring every Sri Lankan has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the AI revolution.
The National AI Expo & Conference will be a landmark national platform designed to directly support the country’s strategic vision to expand the digital economy from an estimated US$3.5 billion in 2025 to US$15 billion in 2030.
AI is projected to contribute 10-12% of this ambitious growth trajectory, positioning artificial intelligence as a cornerstone in Sri Lanka’s economic transformation. The event is also supported by the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA).
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne said: “The National AI Expo & Conference sets the foundation stone for Sri Lanka’s AI-powered future. In embracing AI, we are systematically developing Sri Lanka to lead the region in responsible AI adoption and implementation.”
The conference will address critical themes essential for Sri Lanka’s AI journey, including responsible AI governance, trust and ethics, implementation challenges, and sector-specific applications in banking and financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, and small and medium enterprises, etc.
Huawei’s Head Middle East Li Shi, Vice President and Head – India and South-East Asia Sandya Devanathan, and Agency Partner, Global Network Agencies at Meta Kim-Leng Hoeu, along with several thought leaders from leading global technology companies, will attend.
The National AI Expo also aims to support SMEs and MSMEs, showcasing technological solutions to uplift and enable a digitally literate lifestyle for all sectors of society.
