The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka launched the country’s first national Artificial Intelligence policy framework for higher education at a soft launch on May 8 at the UGC, with US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell in attendance and Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest.
Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka must shape the future of artificial intelligence “through policy, ethics, and inclusive governance, rather than simply adapt to it,” in remarks released by the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday evening.
The framework was developed at the request of the UGC, with technical leadership from American AI specialist Professor Usree Bhattacharya of the University of Georgia. Representatives from all 18 state universities participated alongside policymakers, administrators and industry leaders.
“America leads the world in artificial intelligence, and we are proud to bring that leadership to our partners,” Howell said in a statement issued by the embassy. “By sharing US technologies and standards, we are helping Sri Lanka build the capabilities it needs for the future while expanding opportunities for collaboration with American companies, universities, and researchers.”
UGC Chairman Prof. Kapila Seneviratne said the initiative supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernise its higher education system and equip students with skills needed for an increasingly digital economy.
The framework provides guidance on integrating AI technologies into teaching, learning, research and university administration, and positions US approaches and standards at the foundation of Sri Lanka’s AI development in higher education. The embassy said the structure was designed to be secure, transparent and aligned with internationally recognised best practices.
The national AI Policy Framework for Higher Education will be finalised in June and distributed to Sri Lankan universities for implementation. Bhattacharya, an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia and a member of the executive committee of UGA’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, previously visited Sri Lanka in October 2025 to support AI integration in English language education.
The launch is the latest step in Education Minister Amarasuriya’s wider reform agenda, which has emphasised digital readiness and curriculum modernisation across both school and university tiers.
Sources: Ada Derana — soft launch, Ada Derana — PM remarks.
