A new wave of curiosity swept through the halls of the Monarch Imperial, Kotte, as schoolchildren from across the country explored the power of technology at the National AI Expo and Conference held this week.

Organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy in collaboration with SLT-Mobitel, the two-day event aimed to make Sri Lanka a leading regional hub for artificial intelligence by encouraging innovation and digital adoption across industries.

From robot demonstrations to AI-powered educational tools, students were given the chance to see how technology is transforming the world around them. For many, it was their first hands-on experience with artificial intelligence and a moment that opened their eyes to the endless possibilities of the digital era.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, industry leaders and policymakers highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the right knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. They also emphasised how collaboration between schools, universities, and the tech industry can build a smarter and more connected nation.

Workshops and panel discussions during the expo focused on the future of work, the role of ethics in AI, and the importance of creativity in technological innovation.