U.S., Sri Lanka Partner to Advance American AI Leadership in Higher Education
U.S., Sri Lanka Partner to Advance American AI Leadership in Higher Education
https://lk.usembassy.gov/us-sl-advance-american-ai-in-higher-education/
Publish Date: 2026-05-08 12:36:00
Source Domain: lk.usembassy.gov
COLOMBO (May 8, 2026) – The United States is strengthening its global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) by partnering with Sri Lanka to help shape the country’s first national AI policy framework for higher education. At the request of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka collaborated closely with Sri Lankan counterparts to develop a framework grounded in American AI expertise, standards, and innovation.
The framework drafting process culminated in a soft launch on May 8 at the UGC, with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell in attendance, alongside Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya, who served as Chief Guest.
Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell welcomes Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to the launch of Sri Lanka’s first national AI policy framework for higher education.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attends the launch of Sri Lanka’s first national AI policy framework for higher education alongside Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell, Professor Usree Bhattacharya and UGC Chairman Professor Kapila Seneviratne
Developed with technical leadership from American AI specialist Professor Usree Bhattacharya of the University of Georgia, the initiative supports Sri Lankan universities in adopting AI in ways that are secure, transparent, and aligned with internationally recognized best practices led by the United States.
“America leads the world in artificial intelligence, and we are proud to bring that leadership to our partners,” said Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell. “This collaboration demonstrates American innovation at work—delivering AI expertise that is transparent, ethical, and trusted. By sharing U.S. technologies and standards, we are helping Sri Lanka build the capabilities it needs for the future while expanding opportunities for collaboration with American companies, universities, and researchers. When countries partner with…
