A three-day National Workshop on Data Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Sector Transformation commenced in Colombo today (20), with the aim of strengthening Sri Lanka's digital governance and accelerating the country's public sector transformation.

The workshop is jointly organised by the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), its United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), the Presidential Secretariat, and the United Nations in Sri Lanka.

The programme seeks to enhance the knowledge and capacity of senior public sector officials in data governance, digital government, and the responsible use of AI. Discussions will focus on international best practices, data management, interoperable government systems, ethical AI, and the policy and institutional frameworks needed to support digital transformation, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.

During the three-day workshop, participants will receive training on the fundamentals of data governance, the development of a national data governance framework, digital public services, AI applications in government and the use of generative and agentic AI technologies.

Sessions will also cover the preparation of institutional action plans to facilitate AI adoption across the public sector through lectures, panel discussions, and group exercises.

The workshop has brought together senior government officials, policymakers, local and international technology experts, and resource persons to exchange knowledge and experiences on advancing digital governance.

Organisers expect the programme to contribute to faster digital transformation within Sri Lanka's public sector, strengthen collaboration among government institutions, and promote evidence-based policymaking and service delivery, the PMD added.

Among those attending the inaugural session were Senior Adviser to the President on the Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, World Health Organization Representative serving as the United Nations Resident Coordinator (Acting) in Sri Lanka  Dr. Rajesh Pandav, Head of UNPOG Changseob Han, Chief Executive Officer of GovTech Sri Lanka Shevan Gunatilake, and several other distinguished guests.