AI presents both opportunities and responsibilities: PM Harini

Newswire reports that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya addressed the University of Colombo International Conference 2026 on October 28, attending as chief guest at the university’s Faculty of Medicine. Ada Derana’s headline also describes her as advocating responsible AI and inclusive education.

Newswire reports that Amarasuriya said artificial intelligence could support education, research and public services, while creating economic opportunities. It says she also identified risks involving unreliable information, bias, personal-data privacy and unequal access.

Newswire reports that she called for improved digital literacy and said human judgement, accountability and public benefit should guide decisions involving AI. It also reports that she highlighted universities and research institutions as important sources of knowledge, critical thinking and solutions to national challenges.

Newswire reports that Amarasuriya characterized fair access to quality education as a national responsibility and urged that the gains from development and emerging technologies extend across communities. The conference took place on October 28 and 29, with a program connecting AI, sustainability and innovation, and Newswire says she called for continued cooperation among stakeholders.