Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a groundbreaking announcement that promises to redefine the landscape of digital education in Sri Lanka, Google has committed to providing free access to its advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including the powerful Gemini platform, for students across the island. Revealed just yesterday, on September 29, 2025, at the inaugural National AI Expo and Conference 2025 in Colombo, this initiative marks a monumental leap forward for Sri Lanka’s technological future.
Historic Partnership to Democratise AI Access
The landmark partnership was unveiled by Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, who hailed it as a “game-changer” for the nation. After months of dedicated collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Google, the agreement ensures that every Sri Lankan student will soon gain free access to world-class AI tools, cloud computing platforms, and digital learning resources. This unprecedented move is designed to level the playing field, putting Sri Lankan students on par with their global counterparts and fostering a generation ready to thrive in the AI-driven world.
Empowering the Next Generation with Gemini Advanced
Central to this initiative is the free provision of Google’s advanced AI platform, Gemini, which includes its premium features and other student benefits. While the specific rollout details are expected from mid-October, this encompasses tools like Gemini Advanced (or Gemini 2.5 Pro), a versatile AI assistant capable of aiding with complex assignments, research, and creative tasks. Students can expect functionalities such as enhanced research capabilities, personalized study guides, and assistance in writing and brainstorming.
The broader Google AI Pro plan, which appears to align with this offer, typically includes expanded access to Gemini 2.5 Pro for unlimited chats and image uploads, Deep Research for comprehensive reports, NotebookLM as a thinking companion, and a generous 2 TB of cloud storage for academic projects and personal files. These resources are poised to dramatically enhance learning, problem-solving, and innovation across various disciplines.
Beyond Usage: The Call for Mastery and Ethical Responsibility
Deputy Minister Weeraratne emphasized that the goal extends far beyond merely using AI; it is about nurturing mastery among the next generation. “We don’t just need to use AI. We want every single one of you to master it,” he stated to a packed audience. He also underscored the critical importance of ethical responsibility that accompanies such powerful access, urging students to wield these tools wisely, ethically, and for the greater good of Sri Lanka and the world.
This ethical framework is crucial as students delve into sophisticated AI capabilities, ensuring they understand the implications and apply these technologies constructively for building, innovating, and solving contemporary challenges.
Catalysing Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy and AI-Ready Workforce
This initiative is a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan government’s broader vision to accelerate the creation of a smarter, more prosperous, and inclusive digital economy. By integrating AI and data literacy into the national curriculum and launching upskilling programs, the nation aims to build a truly AI-ready workforce. The Deputy Minister further outlined Sri Lanka’s comprehensive AI strategy, which rests on four pillars: building an AI-ready workforce, nurturing startups with incubators and state-backed funding, ensuring inclusivity for all citizens, and safeguarding digital trust through robust cybersecurity frameworks.
Complementing this, the announcement also included plans for a national AI Fund of Funds, set to launch in January 2026, aimed at fostering startups, innovation, and local research. Furthermore, the establishment of a sophisticated National Cyber Security Operations Centre, designed to leverage AI for enhanced defenses, highlights the government’s commitment to securing the digital landscape.
A Vision for a Smarter Future
Positioning AI as the “new electricity,” Weeraratne articulated how it could transform vital sectors such as healthcare, farming, tourism, and education in Sri Lanka. Imagining doctors in rural clinics gaining instant AI-driven second opinions, farmers receiving predictive data, and tourists experiencing personalized services through AI recommendations, he painted a vivid picture of a future empowered by artificial intelligence.
The free access to Google AI tools for Sri Lankan students is more than just a technological handout; it is an investment in human capital and a testament to the nation’s commitment to embracing the digital revolution. This strategic move is expected to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s national capacity in AI development and digital literacy, empowering the next generation to innovate, solve complex challenges, and compete effectively on a global scale.
