“Global Tech Meetup: Sri Lanka Edition” held at Hilton Colombo

Keynote address by University of Hong Kong Kerry Holdings Professor in Law Professor Douglas W. Arner

Discussion by TLA and GTA Founder Russ Shaw CBE along with GTA Head of Community and Corporate Development Tracy Perera 

Participants at the “Global Tech Meetup: Sri Lanka Edition” 

The “Global Tech Meetup: Sri Lanka Edition”, which focused on raising awareness about artificial intelligence (AI), was recently held at the Hilton Colombo. The meetup was jointly organised by Tech London Advocates (TLA) and Global Tech Advocates (GTA) – Sri Lanka Group, in collaboration with the Asian FinTech Academy (AFTA) and the Sri Lanka Chapter of the Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM), based in Colorado, USA.

The FinTech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) also served as a supporting organisation.

A key highlight of the event was the recent launch of Tech London Advocates (TLA) Sri Lanka, a new addition to the Global Tech Advocates (GTA) network. This initiative aims to connect Sri Lanka’s tech community with a global network spanning over 40 tech hubs across six continents.

TLA and GTA Founder Russ Shaw CBE along with GTA Head of Community and Corporate Development Tracy Perera, delivered a virtual discussion.

Russ Shaw has been instrumental in positioning London as a leading global technology hub and was recognised as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions.

Shaw emphasised the significance of this initiative in positioning Sri Lanka as a key player in the global tech ecosystem. “TLA Sri Lanka is now part of our thriving international network, bringing together tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to drive innovation and growth,” he stated. He also extended an invitation to Sri Lankan advocates to participate in London Tech Week 2025, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence on the global stage.

Tracy Perera, a British professional of Sri Lankan origin, expressed her enthusiasm for Sri Lanka’s digital advancements. She noted that she had recently visited Sri Lanka after a decade and was inspired by the country’s progress. She praised the government’s efforts in digital transformation, such as introducing a digital identity and promoting a cashless society, calling these initiatives crucial for economic progress and inclusivity across different socioeconomic groups. Perera also highlighted the role of GTA Launchpad, a digital resource hub that provides startups and entrepreneurs with access to global networks, market insights, and collaboration opportunities. “This platform enables Sri Lankan tech innovators to connect with peers worldwide, accelerating opportunities for international expansion,” she explained.

The event also featured a virtual keynote address by University of Hong Kong Kerry Holdings Professor in Law Professor Douglas W. Arner. He explored the transformative role of AI and data in financial services, emphasising the growing intersection between finance, technology, and regulatory frameworks. Professor Arner noted that over the past two decades, technology has been a dominant force in finance. Looking ahead, data will take centre stage, influencing everything from risk management to AI-driven strategies. He pointed out that finance is one of the most digitised, globalised, and regulated industries, and AI is reshaping its landscape. However, differing global approaches to data management—such as the US market-driven model, the EU rights-based model, and China’s state-led approach—are creating new challenges and tensions.

Discussing AI’s risks and opportunities, he added that AI presents macro-level concerns, including economic stability, cybersecurity, and ethical risks. While professionals can harness AI’s advantages, challenges arise for those without technical expertise. Governments and industries must strike a balance between maximising AI’s benefits and mitigating its risks, especially in financial services.

The event was facilitated and coordinated by the Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) Founding President Rajkumar Kanagasingam.