Event Agenda

Two days packed with keynotes, sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to advance your AI knowledge.

09:30 AM
29 September 2025
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Main Auditorium

Opening Ceremony, National Anthem, Curtain Raiser, Welcome Address

Dr. Mothilal De Silva

Setting the Ambitions and Expectations of the National AI Expo Event

Opening Session
10:00 AM
29 September 2025
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Main Auditorium

Keynote 1 : National AI Strategy - Contributing to Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy

Hon. (Eng.) Eranga Weeraratne

This keynote explores how a national AI strategy can drive Sri Lanka’s digital transformation and economic growth. The session will cover initiatives to foster innovation, build AI talent, enable public–private collaboration, and create a supportive regulatory ecosystem. Participants will gain insights into how strategic AI adoption can contribute to productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable development, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in the digital economy.

Keynote
10:15 AM
29 September 2025
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Main Auditorium

Panel Discussion : AI Implementation Challenges - From Investment to Impact

Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Mr. Sudharshana Geeganage, Mr. Arun Pai

This panel will tackle real-world challenges in deploying AI—from securing funding and stakeholder buy-in to overcoming technical barriers and achieving measurable outcomes. It will likely include perspectives on scaling AI solutions and aligning them with business or policy goals.

Panel Discussion
10:30 AM
29 September 2025
10:30 AM - 10:35 AM
Main Auditorium

Arrival of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

11:00 AM
29 September 2025
11:00 AM - 11:10 AM
Main Auditorium

Address by Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Speech
11:10 AM
29 September 2025
11:10 AM - 11:17 AM
Main Auditorium

Awards & Recognition

11:15 AM
29 September 2025
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Main Auditorium

Tea Break

Networking opportunity with refreshments.

Break
11:30 AM
29 September 2025
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Main Auditorium

Keynote 2 : Responsible AI - Ethics, Governance & Trust

Mr. Kumar Ashish

This keynote explores the critical dimensions of ethical, transparent, and trustworthy AI adoption. It will cover strategies for embedding ethical principles, implementing robust governance frameworks, and building stakeholder trust in AI systems. Participants will gain insights into balancing innovation with responsibility, addressing bias and fairness, ensuring accountability, and fostering confidence among users and organizations in deploying AI responsibly.

Keynote

Entertainment Act

12:00 PM
29 September 2025
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Main Auditorium

Fireside Chat: Global Lessons in AI Strategy Execution

Dr. Mahendra Samarawickrama, Mr. Vijai Karthigesu, Mr. Neelesh Maglani, Ms. Suzi Awad, Mr. Tony Kalcina

An informal yet insightful conversation sharing global experiences in AI strategy execution. Speakers will reflect on best practices, common pitfalls, and how international lessons can be adapted to local contexts for more effective AI adoption.

Fireside Chat
12:45 PM
29 September 2025
12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Garden Terrace

Lunch Break

Connect with speakers and attendees over lunch.

Break
02:00 PM
29 September 2025
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Room A
TRACK A

Speech - AI Strategy Enablement - Policy, Infrastructure & Data Governance

Mr. James Tan Shijie

This session explores the foundational pillars of Sri Lanka’s AI strategy, focusing on policy formulation, infrastructure readiness, and data governance. Experts will share insights on building a robust national AI ecosystem that aligns with digital economy goals and global standards.

Speech
02:00 PM
29 September 2025
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Room B
TRACK B

Speech - Telco AI Landscape and Opportunities

Mr. John David Kim

This session explores the current AI landscape in the telecommunications industry and the emerging opportunities for growth and innovation.

Speech
02:30 PM
29 September 2025
02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Room A
TRACK A

Panel Discussion : Citizen Services Powered by AI - Health, Education, Public Safety

Dr. Rukshan Batuwita, Ms. Aimee Xiang, Brigadier K.V.P. Dhammika, Dr. Sulochana Sooriyaarachchi, Mr. Tony Kalcina

This panel will Discover how AI is transforming public services to be more responsive, inclusive, and efficient. This session highlights real-world applications in healthcare diagnostics, smart education platforms, and predictive public safety systems.

Panel Discussion
02:30 PM
29 September 2025
02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Room B
TRACK B

Panel Discussion : Sector - Specific AI Applications - Telco, Finance, Retail, Manufacturing

Mr. Raja Mansukhani, Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, Dr. Ramesh Shanmuganathan, Mr. Asanga Ranasinghe, Mr. Arun Pai

This panel will Dive into case studies from leading industries where AI is delivering measurable impact. From predictive analytics in telecom to fraud detection in finance and personalization in retail, Automation and Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing. This session showcases practical implementations.

Panel Discussion

Entertainment Act

03:15 PM
29 September 2025
03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Room A
TRACK A

Speech : Role of AI in Health & Health Professionals Education

Prof. Indika Karunathilake

This session explores the transformative potential of AI in healthcare delivery and medical education. Learn how AI is revolutionizing diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalization, and clinical decision-making while enhancing medical training through simulation, adaptive learning, and competency assessment. The discussion covers practical applications, ethical considerations, and future opportunities for AI integration in health systems and professional development.

Speech
03:15 PM
29 September 2025
03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Room B
TRACK B

Speech : Talent & Skills & Building the Culture for AI-Driven Enterprises

Prof. Roshan Ragel

This session explores the evolving skillsets essential for successful AI adoption in business. It highlights how enterprises can drive workforce transformation through reskilling and upskilling initiatives, while also fostering collaborations with academia and industry to develop future-ready talent pipelines. The session will provide insights into building agile, innovative teams that are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven enterprise culture. We would be honored to have you share your expertise and set the tone for these conversations.

Speech
03:45 PM
29 September 2025
03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Room A
TRACK A

Panel Discussion : Localizing AI for Sri Lanka - Language, Culture & Access

Mr. Nuwan Senaratna, Mr. Chathura Dilan Perera, Dr. Gamini Hewawasam, Mr. Anil Pradeep Kumara, Mr. Rohan Jayaweera

This panel will explore the importance of culturally aware AI systems. Speakers will discuss localization strategies including Sinhala/Tamil NLP, regional datasets, and inclusive design principles for citizen-facing AI applications.

Panel Discussion
03:45 PM
29 September 2025
03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Room B
TRACK B

Panel Discussion : Scaling AI in Startups and SMEs

Mr. Heminda Jayaweera, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Mr. Ravin Tharinda Piyasiri, Mr. Thurupathan Vijayakumar, Mrs. Ishari Siriwardane

A panel of business leaders from Corporates, SMEs and startup founders will discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling AI across different business sizes. Topics include funding, infrastructure, and strategic alignment.

Panel Discussion
04:30 PM
29 September 2025
04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Main Auditorium

Day 01 Event Recap & Conclusion