Sri Lanka took a major leap forward in its digital transformation journey as the sixth edition of SLASSCOM’s AI Asia Summit 2025 concluded in Colombo, signalling the country’s growing role as a regional hub for applied AI and innovation. This year’s theme, “AI in Action”, made it clear that the country is moving beyond discussion to deployment-shaping use cases, capability, and policy around real-world impact.Welcoming over 400 participants, 31 global and regional speakers, and 18 high-impact sessions, the Summit delivered deep insights into how AI is transforming economies, industries, and national competitiveness across Asia.
A breakthrough for Sri Lanka’s deep-tech ecosystem: Xavier robotics launch
One of the most defining moments was the unveiling of Xavier, Sri Lanka’s first fully conceived and engineered AI-driven robotics platform, built by Xavier AI. The platform demonstrates the growing maturity of the country’s AI talent and proves that Sri Lanka can innovate at global deep-tech standards.
Xavier’s launch marked Sri Lanka’s transition from being an adopter to a creator of frontier technologies in robotics, automation, and intelligent systems-reinforcing the country’s positioning as an AI innovation hub.
Policy leadership converges with technology vision
A highlight of the Summit was the presence of senior policymakers and technologists shaping digital
transformation across the region.
Key figures included:
- India’s Electronics and IT Ministry Secretary Shri S. Krishnan
- Digital Economy Ministry Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne
- Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya
- Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation CEO Prakash Kumar
Prakash Kumar’s opening keynote set the strategic tone for the Summit, highlighting AI’s pivotal role in reshaping governance, accelerating service delivery, and enabling cross-border innovation.
AI in action: Industry transformation across sectors
The Summit spotlighted practical adoption and value creation across key industries:
- Manufacturing Predictive maintenance, intelligent automation, robotics, and efficiency uplift.
- Banking and Finance AI-led risk intelligence, operational automation, and consumer analytics.
- Engineering and Infrastructure Digital twins, simulation models, and data-driven design.
- Healthcare Diagnostic intelligence, medical imaging AI, and population health modelling.
A platform of regional partnerships and collaboration
The Summit’s regional influence was strengthened through partnerships including:
- Official Summit partner: AI Impact Summit 2026 (India)
- Strategic partners: Econsulate, Xavier AI
- Gold sponsor: 99x
- Silver sponsor: ZOHO
- Supporting sponsor: Virtusa
- Rapid Fire partner: NCINGA
- Connectivity partner: Starlink by Singer
- Podcast partner: TechTalk360
Extending impact beyond the Summit
A post-event roundtable on Healthcare AI, chaired by Google’s Dr. Rukshan Batuwita, convened clinicians,
regulators, and industry leaders to map early pathways for responsible AI deployment in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
A unified push toward an AI-driven nation
SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne said: “AI Asia Summit 2025 demonstrated not just the potential of AI, but the determination of Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem to lead, innovate, and shape the future. The energy and expertise showcased this year reaffirm that we are firmly on the path to becoming a regional powerhouse and AI innovation hub.”
With growing momentum, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a future-ready, innovation-driven economy-one where AI becomes a driver of growth, competitiveness, and national transformation.
