As Sri Lanka pushes forward with the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors to drive development and innovation, a critical foundational question must first be addressed. What data will power these systems, and how will that data be governed?
In a recent article published in the Daily FT on 6 May 2026, LIRNEasia Research Fellow Ashwini Natesan discusses the importance of grounding AI development in strong data governance. She highlights that before shifting focus to advanced algorithms and AI applications, Sri Lanka must first build a coherent and trustworthy data governance foundation by addressing how data is collected, shared, structured, and protected.
She also discusses the legal and governance challenges emerging alongside AI development, particularly around the use of personal data and copyrighted material in training large language models (LLMs). She further notes that fragmented and under-implemented data governance frameworks continue to hinder Sri Lanka’s AI readiness.
Ashwini emphasizes that Sri Lanka does not lack policy frameworks. Rather, what is needed is a review and strengthening of existing data governance policies and procedures. She underscores that a coherent national approach to data governance will not only support AI development but also strengthen public trust.
Read the English version of the article in the Daily FT. The article was also published in Tamil in the Virakesari newspaper on 26 April 2026 and can be accessed here.
