Education Ministry Officials Briefed on AI's Role in Public Service

A special awareness workshop on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was held today (28) at the Ministry of Education, targeting senior officials of the Ministry. The session focused on how AI can be effectively utilized to transform the public service into a more efficient and productive system.

As an initial step in the Government’s flagship programme to digitise the public service, the objective of this initiative was to raise awareness among officials, prepare them for the transition, and foster a positive attitude towards the use of Artificial Intelligence within the public sector.

Participating in the event, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake emphasized that the use of Artificial Intelligence can significantly enhance the quality of the education sector in a timely and meaningful manner.

Delivering a presentation at the event, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, highlighted the vital role of the Ministry of Education in advancing the government’s digital economy agenda. He also outlined how Artificial Intelligence can be effectively adopted within the Ministry and discussed the technological changes being planned to facilitate its implementation.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education, and the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka. ICTA Board Members Harsha Purasinghe and Samisa Abeysinghe also contributed as key resource persons.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage and Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, Nalaka Kaluwewa, were also present at the occasion.

This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating AI into the public service, with the potential to revolutionize how educational services are delivered and managed. By leveraging AI, the Ministry aims to improve the quality of education, streamline administrative processes, and enhance overall efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the AI awareness workshop?

The primary goal of the AI awareness workshop is to raise awareness among senior officials of the Ministry of Education, prepare them for the transition to AI, and foster a positive attitude towards its use in the public sector.

How can AI improve the education sector?

AI can enhance the quality of education by improving administrative processes, personalizing learning experiences, and providing real-time data for better decision-making.

Who organized the AI awareness workshop?

What role did Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya play in the workshop?

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, delivered a presentation highlighting the vital role of the Ministry of Education in advancing the government’s digital economy agenda and discussed the adoption of AI within the Ministry.

What are the expected outcomes of integrating AI into the public service?

Integrating AI into the public service is expected to enhance efficiency, streamline administrative processes, and improve the quality of services provided, particularly in the education sector.