An international research conference, “Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Library Services – Challenges and Opportunities,” was held on October 29, 2024, in Colombo. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the event as chief guest, addressing an audience of librarians, researchers, and innovators. In her speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the key role of libraries and librarians in advancing digital access, stating, “I see not just librarians, but the guardians of knowledge, the architects of our digital future, and the champions of information democracy.”
The conference explored AI’s potential to modernize library services in Sri Lanka, focusing on democratizing access to knowledge and building capacity in resource-constrained settings. The Prime Minister highlighted the nation’s aspirations for digital transformation, with a commitment to supporting librarians as catalysts in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering innovation across the country.