Colombo, Sri Lanka – The United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat of the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations in Sri Lanka, convened the National Workshop on Data Governance and Artificial Intelligence for Public Sector Transformation in Colombo from 20 to 22 July 2026.

The workshop responded to Sri Lanka’s request for capacity development to accelerate its Digital Government Transformation Agenda by strengthening the knowledge and capacities of senior public officials in data governance, digital government and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). Bringing together 35 senior officials from key government institutions, the programme provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences, learn from international good practices and explore practical approaches to modernising public administration through effective governance and digital innovation.

Throughout the three-day programme, participants explored the data governance foundations needed to support AI transformation, including accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, interoperability and effective oversight. Discussions examined national data governance frameworks, digital public services and strategies for strengthening institutional coordination and data sharing across government. Through expert presentations, case studies, interactive discussions and practical group exercises, participants identified opportunities to improve evidence-informed policymaking and build trusted data ecosystems capable of supporting more integrated and responsive public services.

The workshop also introduced participants to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence for public officials, with a focus on the responsible and ethical application of AI in government. Interactive sessions provided practical exposure to generative AI and emerging agentic AI technologies while emphasizing the importance of human oversight, verification of AI-generated outputs and measures to address risks such as hallucinations, bias and misinformation. These discussions reinforced that successful AI adoption depends not only on technological capability but also on sound governance, institutional readiness and clear policy frameworks.

Participants identified priority actions for strengthening coordination, data sharing and AI capabilities across key public service sectors, including education, health, immigration, land administration, taxation and public finance. By the conclusion of the workshop, they had developed a shared understanding of the institutional and policy measures needed to support responsible AI adoption and accelerate digital transformation across the Sri Lankan public sector.

The workshop reaffirmed UN DESA and UNPOG’s commitment to supporting Member States in building resilient, inclusive and future-ready public institutions. By strengthening capacities in data governance and responsible AI, the initiative contributes to Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to modernise public administration, enhance collaboration across government institutions and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Click for more information about the workshop here.