Sri Lanka has reached out to China for support to establish a National Sovereign AI Computing Centre, as it looks to expand artificial intelligence use across government and build infrastructure to safeguard citizens’ data.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne raised the proposal during talks with Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang at the Ministry in Colombo on Wednesday (14), according to a Ministry statement.
The discussions covered Chinese assistance for the proposed centre and a memorandum of understanding on AI cooperation between the two countries.
Weeraratne said Sri Lanka still lacked the physical infrastructure needed to fully implement sovereign AI technology, although progress had been made through small-scale AI data centres designed to protect citizens’ data.
He sought China’s assistance to establish a national-level data centre and outlined progress in adopting AI within the Department of Government Draftsman, Parliament and other State institutions.
The statement did not disclose the proposed centre’s cost, funding arrangements or implementation timetable.
Ministry of Digital Economy Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala said a draft MoU on digital cooperation was being prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s Department and the leadership of GovTech.
He said the proposed agreement followed visits to China by Sri Lanka’s President and Prime Minister over the past two years.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed interest in the research and development initiatives and skills development proposed by Weeraratne, and indicated a willingness to share technical knowledge and expertise relating to the proposed AI computing centre, the Ministry said.
The talks also focused on Sri Lanka’s digital transformation priorities and opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the digital economy and AI.
Referring to open-source AI platforms highlighted at the World AI Conference 2026, Weeraratne noted that he had also participated in the event.
Chief Presidential Adviser on the Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya said Sri Lanka had secured significant technological benefits through its longstanding diplomatic relationship with China.
