Sri Lanka Hosts First Youth AI Summit
Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its growing artificial intelligence landscape with the successful hosting of the country’s first Youth AI Summit in Jaffna, bringing together students, innovators, academia, and industry leaders to explore the future of AI and emerging technologies.
Conducted as a multi-city initiative from May 16 to 24, the Youth AI Summit aimed to connect youth across Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna through workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on AI sessions. The final summit culminated at SLIIT Northern UNI in Jaffna.
The initiative was organised by the AI and Quantum International Hub (AIQUAINT), UAE, in collaboration with Northern UNI. The summit was curated by Gowri Shankar Sivabala, who launched the first edition of the Youth AI Summit in India in 2025. Following its Sri Lankan edition in 2026, the programme is expected to expand to more countries globally.
Addressing the summit, organisers highlighted the importance of equipping youth with emerging technology skills and creating platforms that connect students with academia and industry leaders. The event featured panel discussions on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies, AI venture-building sessions, startup presentations, hands-on workshops, and student project demonstrations.
The programme also showcased contributions from students, women leaders, and young innovators, reflecting the growing interest in AI-driven innovation among Sri Lankan youth. Organisers noted that the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by participants demonstrated the strong potential for Sri Lanka to become an emerging hub for AI innovation in the region.
