The United States is partnering with Sri Lanka to help develop the country’s first national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy framework for higher education.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the initiative is being carried out at the request of the University Grants Commission with support from the embassy and Sri Lankan stakeholders.

The framework was soft launched on May 8 at the UGC in the presence of U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jayne Howell and Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya.

The framework was developed under the technical guidance of Usree Bhattacharya, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia and a specialist in responsible AI in education.

According to the statement, the framework aims to help Sri Lankan universities adopt AI technologies in teaching, research, learning and administration while following internationally recognized standards and ethical practices.

Representatives from all 18 state universities, policymakers, administrators and industry leaders participated in the programme.

UGC Chairman Kapila Seneviratne stated that the collaboration supports efforts to modernize Sri Lanka’s higher education sector and prepare students for a digital economy.

The final AI Policy Framework for Higher Education is expected to be finalized in June before being distributed to universities for implementation.