Around 22.8% of Sri Lanka’s employed population is currently exposed to Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said.

Addressing the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, he noted that Generative AI is already having a significant impact on the country’s workforce and changing the nature of work.

He said the global debate on AI is often framed as a conflict between technological progress and job security, but Sri Lanka views it as an opportunity to reshape production systems and improve productivity and shared prosperity.

According to research by the Institute of Policy Studies using ILO methodologies, about 22.8% of the workforce is exposed to Generative AI, particularly in professional and office-based roles that traditionally offer pathways to upward mobility, while sectors such as agriculture, craftsmanship, and informal labour remain less affected.

The Minister explained that Sri Lanka’s strategy focuses on the adoption, adaptation, and acceleration of AI technologies, with digital transformation identified as a national priority under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He added that the government is working on expanding the digital economy and building a digitally skilled workforce while ensuring that social justice, labour rights, and decent work are protected.

Dr. Fernando also said an expert committee is currently consulting on comprehensive labour reforms aimed at safeguarding workers while supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

He further noted that Sri Lanka, despite recent economic and energy challenges, continues to manage its economy transparently and welcomes international cooperation to ensure AI-driven development benefits all sections of society.