The AI & Data Analytics Summit 2024, held on June 26th from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, brought together over 350 participants from leading Sri Lankan companies. The summit, a key component of the Ministry of Technology’s DIGIECON initiative, was organized by the BCS Sri Lanka Section.
The event commenced with a distinguished welcome address delivered by Alanzo Doll, Chairman of BCS The Chartered Institute for IT – Sri Lanka Section. Following Mr. Doll’s address, Hon. Kanaka Herath, State Minister of the Ministry of Technology, and Dr. Dharmasri Kumaratunge, Secretary of the Ministry of Technology, offered their valuable insights.
The summit featured keynote addresses by industry veterans:
- Vikram Kolar, Senior Vice President of Data and AI Platform Technology at Visa
- Alok Lal, Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft South Asia
Their expertise provided a strategic perspective on the evolving landscape of AI and data analytics.
The day unfolded with two distinct tracks:
- Strategy Track: This track focused on the bigger picture, providing valuable insights for C-level executives and senior IT professionals. Industry leaders shared their experiences and strategies for implementing AI solutions within their organizations. Here’s a list of some speakers:
- Varun Thamba – Regional Director of Business AI for SAP Asia Pacific & Japan
- Rumesh De Silva – Director, Crayon
- Keshan Dayaratne – CIO of Ceylon Biscuits
- Anura De Alwis – Senior VP, Fortude Inc
- Sadee Gamhewa – CEO, Velou Inc
- Vaisakh T R – Founder & CEO, Prophaze Technologies
- Lakshmi Das – Co-Founder & COO, Prophaze Technologies
- Tech Track: Designed for practitioners like data scientists and engineers, this track offered deep dives into specific technologies and techniques. Experts delved into the technical intricacies of AI and data analytics. Here’s a list of some speakers and panelists:
- C D Athuruliya – Co-Founder & LeadML Engineer at ConscientAI
- Dr. Lahiru Ariyasinghe – Associate Architect – Data Science at Axiata Digital Labs
- Antony Marishan – Lead Data Scientist, Engenuity AI
- Dr. Srinath Perera – Chief Architect, WSO2
- Dinesh Asanka, Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya
- Fireside Chat: Fireside Chat – ‘ The Do’s & Don’ts of AI’
- Panelists:
Varun Thamba – Senior VP, Business AI, SAP Asia Pacific & Japan
Anura De Alwis – Senior VP, Fortude
Keshan Dayaratne – CIO, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd
Rumesh De Silva – Director, Crayon - Moderator:
K V Kuganathan – CIO, Janashakthi Group / ExCo Member, BCS Sri Lanka Section
- Panelists:
- Panel Discussion -‘The Journey towards an AI & Data Enabled Organization’
- Panelists:
Avanthi Colambage – Country Manager, Visa Sri Lanka & Maldives
Harsha Randeny – Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka & Maldives
Sadee Gamhewa – CEO, Velou Inc
Sonal Biyani – Founding Partner, Basic Roots Consulting - Moderator:
Imran Vilcassim – BCP Banking Technologies / ExCo Member, BCS Sri Lanka Section
- Panelists:
Interactive lab sessions complemented both tracks, providing attendees with hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and technologies.
The summit culminated in a fun and engaging quiz, testing attendees’ knowledge on the day’s AI discussions. The top 5 scorers walked away with exciting prizes.
The success of the AI & Data Analytics Summit 2024 would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners:
The summit served as a valuable platform for Sri Lanka’s AI and data analytics community to connect, share ideas, and gain insights into the latest advancements in this rapidly evolving field.