U.S. and Sri Lanka Collaborate on National AI Policy for Higher Education

The United States and Sri Lanka have partnered to develop the country's first national artificial intelligence policy framework for higher education, announced in a press release by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. The framework was created at the request of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, with support from American AI specialist Professor Usree Bhattacharya of the University of Georgia.

The soft launch took place on May 8 in Colombo, attended by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell and Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya. The framework aims to guide Sri Lankan universities in adopting AI technologies across teaching, research, and administration, ensuring alignment with international standards and ethical practices.

Under Professor Bhattacharya’s leadership, the project brought together representatives from all 18 state universities, policymakers, and industry leaders to establish guidelines for secure and transparent AI use. The final version of the framework is scheduled for release in June, after which it will be distributed to universities across the country.

The initiative positions U.S. expertise and standards at the foundation of Sri Lanka’s AI development in higher education, promoting collaboration between Sri Lankan institutions and American technology companies and universities. The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that this partnership underscores the United States' commitment to advancing responsible AI practices globally.