AI Training Centre Planned for Wijerama in Partnership with Singapore Institution – Cabinet Paper Next Week

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) training centre in Wijerama, in collaboration with a Singapore-based institution, with a Cabinet paper on the proposed initiative expected to be submitted next week.

The proposed centre is expected to provide opportunities for members of the public, students and companies to learn about artificial intelligence and develop skills in the rapidly evolving field.

Speaking at the Fireside Chat session of the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026 on Monday (October 12), the President emphasised the importance of expanding access to AI education and creating opportunities for students pursuing information technology to advance their knowledge and qualifications.

President Dissanayake said he believed AI education should extend up to degree level, highlighting the need to develop Sri Lanka’s information technology sector across several additional levels.

“I believe this should go up to degree level. That is where we should be heading,” the President said, according to the remarks provided from the session.

He also highlighted the importance of creating further opportunities for children studying IT to develop their knowledge and skills, as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its technological capabilities.

The proposed training centre is intended to make AI knowledge more accessible to different groups, including individuals seeking to improve their digital skills, students pursuing further education and companies looking to understand and apply AI technologies.

The announcement comes amid growing international interest in artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the development of future-ready skills.

The President made these remarks during a Fireside Chat at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026, held at the Shangri-La Colombo on October 12. The two-day summit, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors and international experts to discuss Sri Lanka’s economic priorities and investment opportunities.

The discussion was moderated by Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Vice Chairperson of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka.