Sri Lankan President Advocates for AI Democratization and Stronger India Ties
In an exclusive interview with TOI's Sachin Parashar, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has articulated a vision for enhanced cooperation with India, focusing on artificial intelligence, security, and economic integration. The President, who is visiting India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for the AI Impact Summit, highlighted the critical importance of this gathering for the Global South.
AI Summit: A Platform for Democratizing Technology
President Dissanayake emphasized that the AI Impact Summit, hosted by India, is significant not merely as a technological event but as a partnership opportunity. "We congratulate India for bringing this important AI Impact Summit to the Global South," he stated. He pointed out that artificial intelligence will define competitiveness, public service delivery, and economic transformation globally.
For developing nations like Sri Lanka, access to AI infrastructure, research networks, and human capital development is paramount. "This Summit must be about democratizing access to AI infrastructure and turning global principles into practical partnerships for the Global South," the President asserted. Sri Lanka is already laying the groundwork for AI-driven development through initiatives such as a national digital public infrastructure framework, an AI governance architecture, sectoral AI committees, and an AI Champions program.
Additionally, the country is advancing projects to expand sovereign data center and AI compute capacity, including engagements with hyperscale cloud providers. However, Dissanayake noted that access to global compute ecosystems and advanced talent development remains crucial. He praised initiatives like the Global AI Impact Commons and the Trusted AI Commons for their potential to democratize AI resources and ensure innovation is not confined to a few advanced economies.
"The Summit's real impact will lie in turning principles into practical partnerships," he said, citing the example of 25 Sri Lankan tech startups being hosted by IIT Madras for a six-week residency as evidence of such collaborations.
India's Human-Centric AI Approach and Sri Lanka's Regulatory Stance
President Dissanayake expressed strong support for India's focus on inclusive and human-centric AI, noting that it aligns closely with Sri Lanka's own reform and development priorities. "Sri Lanka supports a balanced and risk-based regulatory framework that protects citizens while encouraging innovation," he explained.
The country has enacted robust data protection legislation, strengthened its cybersecurity framework, and is establishing a structured AI governance architecture to guide responsible adoption. Rather than fragmented standards, the President advocated for regional collaboration between Sri Lanka and India to promote interoperability, ethical safeguards, and shared learning.
"AI governance should enable growth, strengthen institutions and expand opportunities. That is best achieved through partnership," he said, identifying India as a natural collaborator in building trusted and inclusive AI ecosystems.
Evolving India-Sri Lanka Relations: From Scepticism to Strategic Partnership
Reflecting on the historical scepticism of his party towards India, President Dissanayake highlighted a significant evolution in ties over the past 18 months. "The first country that I visited after being elected as President was India; and the first foreign leader that I received in Sri Lanka as President was PM Narendra Modi," he recalled.
In recognition of India's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis and after Cyclone Ditwah, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mithra Vibhushana, the highest honour bestowed upon foreign leaders. "The link between our countries and our peoples is deep, historic, and civilisational," Dissanayake emphasized.
During his visit to India in December 2024, the two nations adopted a joint statement titled 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future'. Relations now encompass every area of contemporary relevance, including trade, investment, tourism, energy connectivity, digital systems, maritime security, and human capital development. India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner, a significant investor, and the largest source of tourism.
"A stronger Sri Lankan economy complements India's growth trajectory. When Sri Lanka and India work together, it will strengthen regional stability and economic resilience across the Indian Ocean Region," the President asserted.
Balancing Act: Security Concerns and Economic Engagement
Addressing Sri Lanka's delicate balancing act in securing investments from China while safeguarding India's security interests, President Dissanayake affirmed Sri Lanka's independent foreign policy. However, he acknowledged the responsibilities dictated by geography. "We recognise India's legitimate security interests in the Indian Ocean region. Our security is intertwined," he stated.
With an Agreement on Defence Cooperation in place, Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used in ways that undermine other countries' security. "Stability in the Indian Ocean Region is a shared responsibility, and Sri Lanka will always work closely with India to uphold it," he assured, indicating that India's concerns regarding foreign research vessels with dual-use military capabilities will be considered as Sri Lanka finalizes the Standard Operating Procedure this year.
Revitalizing Economic Ties: The Path Forward on ETCA
On the stalled Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) negotiations, President Dissanayake expressed optimism about re-energizing economic engagement with India. "Sri Lanka believes the time is right to re-energise economic engagement with India," he said, citing shifting global trade dynamics and India's expanding trade architecture.
He proposed recommencing discussions on ETCA in a progressive and transparent manner, alongside expanding free trade zone capacity and welcoming Indian investment. Beyond trade agreements, he highlighted opportunities in port partnerships, noting that Sri Lanka's ports already serve as major transshipment hubs for Indian cargo.
"By deepening cooperation we can: position Sri Lanka as a logistics and value-add partner to Indian manufacturing; develop joint ventures in maritime services; strengthen industrial connectivity; and integrate more closely into regional supply chains," he outlined. The ultimate goal is economic integration that creates jobs in Sri Lanka and builds resilience for both economies.
President Dissanayake concluded with a clear direction: "deeper cooperation with India, structured integration and shared growth for mutual benefit." This vision underscores a transformative phase in India-Sri Lanka relations, driven by shared interests in technology, security, and economic prosperity.
