A special meeting between Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, and H.E. Wei Huaxiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, was held today (14) at the Ministry of Digital Economy in Colombo, with the aim of developing the digital economy and further expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The discussions focused on three key areas: gaining a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and digital economy priorities; further strengthening bilateral relations through the digital economy and AI; and seeking support from the Chinese Government to establish a National Sovereign AI Computing Centre, as well as entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on AI between the two countries.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang reflected on his professional experience in various fields prior to entering the diplomatic service and commended the Deputy Minister for his contribution to the SLT-Mobitel National AI Summit. He further stated that promoting the use of AI in Sri Lanka and strengthening cooperation between the two countries would be among his key objectives during his tenure in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne stated that the discussions would place particular emphasis on establishing an AI Data Excellence Centre to serve all sectors, developing capacity in the field of AI, strengthening AI governance, and creating new investment opportunities.
Highlighting China’s significant progress in successfully integrating AI into traditional industries, including rubber production and paddy cultivation, the Chinese Ambassador stressed the importance of accelerating Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. He also proposed that Sri Lanka engage with the World AI Cooperation Organization to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities that could support the long-term growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy. In addition, he provided an update on the progress of MoUs already signed between the two countries.
Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, noted that, as a follow-up to the visits to China by the President and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka over the past two years, a draft MoU on digital cooperation was currently being prepared in consultation with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s Department, and the leadership of GovTech.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed keen interest in the research and development (R&D) initiatives and skills development proposed by the Deputy Minister. He also expressed his willingness to share technical knowledge and expertise relating to the proposed AI Computing Centre.
Referring to the open-source AI platforms highlighted by the President of China at the World AI Conference 2026, Deputy Minister Weeraratne noted that he had also participated in the conference. He pointed out that, although Sri Lanka still lacked the physical infrastructure required to fully implement Sovereign AI technology, progress had been made through small-scale AI data centres designed to safeguard citizens’ data.
Accordingly, the Deputy Minister sought China’s assistance in establishing a national-level data centre. He also outlined the current progress of AI adoption within the Department of Government Draftsman, Parliament, and other government institutions.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Presidential Adviser on the Digital Economy, stated that Sri Lanka had been able to secure significant benefits through the technological dimension of the longstanding and enduring diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and China.
The meeting was also attended by a delegation comprising Mr. Tang Yandi, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy; Ms. Lu Wenjing, Third Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Office; Ms. Meng Yue; Ms. Li Xinwei; and Mr. Faiz Saleem, Director General (Planning) of the Ministry of Digital Economy.
