by Lakshi Upananda
Published on The Morning on 27th May 2024.
Evolution and the Current Situation of AI
The evolution commenced with mechanization after industrialization; the creation of steam engines in 1780 and then the electrification in the existence of grids in the 1880s and you have it spreading across the nations by 1890s. If you go fast forward the next big leap happens with automation where you should imagine in your minds factories producing cars even in the 70s with automated arms that happened long before AI had its recent Bloom and then between 1986 and 1991 you have the first website and so you have the beginning of digitization and so from mechanization, electrification, automation, and digitization, you have these giant eras of general-purpose technologies that pervade society and so the question is whether the fifth one is “intelligentization”.
Will AI be riding the digital backbone that will become the next big part of everything? A small group of scholars began investigating AI in Sri Lanka for the first time in the early 1990s, marking the beginning of still an unexplored field. (Rathnasiri, 2023) The foundation for a strong AI ecosystem that will come into play was built through their pioneering efforts. AI was still in its infancy at the time, but these researchers saw its enormous potential to alter a wide range of industries and reshape society entirely. Their commitment and enthusiasm sparked Sri Lanka's AI innovation.
In 2002, the Sri Lankan government created the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) marking one of the turning points along the path towards the age of AI. This organization encouraged the development and utilization of Information & Communication Technology throughout the nation, recognizing the transformative power of technology in accelerating economic growth and improving the lives of the people. Further, ICTA promoted AI research and development in assistance to Sri Lanka's AI progress. Early AI developments in Sri Lanka were guided by a spirit of exploration, cooperation, and government support. These factors placed Sri Lanka in a position higher in its exploration of AI; an emerging star in the world of artificial intelligence by laying the groundwork for the ecosystem's extraordinary future expansion. (Rathnasiri, 2023)
In this era of vast technological advancement, it is noteworthy that AI is undoubtedly one of the fastest-developing technologies. It has the ability to revolutionize a wide variety of sectors, including national security. Sri Lanka as a country, that has experienced its fair share of security threats in recent history, is now on the verge of realizing a new set of threats and opportunities in the age of AI. The government and the private sector have already worked upon implementing policies to promote responsible AI practice and tackle the issues raised on privacy and security. Along with the interaction on a daily basis, people have gotten used to AI systems such as customer service chatbots, virtual assistants, or AI-driven applications. The growing interaction has brought discussions on the possible benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to sharing sensitive information, individuals have now become more careful about the information they provide to AI systems.
Sri Lanka is in the process of implementing a strong regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, emphasizing ethics and transparency. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and academia can be considered as the driving advancements, with AI applications making notable impacts across sectors. Specific legislation addressing data protection and privacy concerns is in place to ensure responsible AI development and deployment. This article focuses on the impact of various aspects of AI on the national security of Sri Lanka and suggests ways to overcome the challenges effectively. In this complex landscape, Sri Lanka’s ultimate goal should be to formulate a forward-looking national policy that prioritizes the plus points of AI while safeguarding against possible drawbacks. Through a thorough examination of the dynamic interplay between threats and opportunities, the article contributes to the discussion on Sri Lanka’s role in the age of AI and its attempts to secure a resilient and ethically sound future.
The Potential of AI in National Security
Artificial Intelligence without a doubt can enhance and strengthen measures regarding the national security of Sri Lanka. One such example is AI-powered surveillance systems which can overrule traditional approaches, enabling more effective monitoring of boundaries, important infrastructure, and high-security areas. Moreover, AI can identify possible threats, illegal entries into the country, or any other suspicious activities beforehand, thus providing security forces with valuable information. AI improves efficiency and accuracy when it comes to intelligence gathering and analysis and further processes huge volumes of data and information collected from diverse sources, including social media, open-source platforms, and other digital channels through its highly sophisticated algorithms and machine learning capabilities. This kind of data analysis helps to identify patterns, detect unusual behaviors, and predict impending security threats making the security authorities in Sri Lanka capable of implementing proactive and preventive measures against those as a response.
New Threats in the Age of AI
AI presenting immense opportunities does not mean that it comes with no new challenges and threats to national security. One major concern is the possible AI weaponization by developed states and non-state actors like powerful terrorist organizations. AI tools and technologies that have not been regulated by government authorities may be exploited for launching cyber-attacks and manipulating information eventually causing the destabilization of critical systems and political or social unrest. In addition to that AI-powered technologies pose privacy and surveillance issues. Further, the large-scale gathering and processing of data and information by AI systems raises concerns about data privacy, individual freedom, and potential abuses of power. For instance, one’s confidential information will be used to threaten him or her to make them commit a wrong that they otherwise would not commit. Balancing AI-enabled surveillance for purposes regarding national security along with the privacy rights of citizens is a prominent challenge that Sri Lanka needs to carefully address.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations become paramount as AI is becoming increasingly connected with national security policies. The development and deployment of AI tools and technologies must adhere to ethical guidelines and principles, ensuring the fact that the technology is only used for the greater benefit of society minimizing harm. In this process, Sri Lanka should establish necessary regulatory frameworks and supervisory mechanisms to govern the usage of AI for national security purposes while promoting sustainability, transparency, accountability, and responsible AI practice. Further, the ethical considerations that are implemented should comply with the political and social context of the country as well. The ultimate responsibility of the policymakers is to focus on ethical considerations while paving the way for the nation to reach new heights in AI exploration.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Considering the wide variety of AI-related challenges that are posed globally in the contemporary world, Sri Lanka should actively seek collaboration and partnerships with developed nations, international and regional organizations, and experts in the field of AI. Cooperation on a global level can enable nations like ours with the sharing of best practices, knowledge, and resources in overcoming AI-related security threats. By taking part in international forums and engaging in bilateral or multilateral agreements, Sri Lanka can benefit from shared wisdom and tailor AI solutions to its specific national security contexts.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his visit to New York in September 2023, met with Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs for Meta. Here the President was informed concerning Meta’s progress in artificial intelligence, with a focus on open-source technologies. (President’s Office, 2024) Both sides looked into potential joint ventures in the field of AI. One of the main ideas discussed was the creation of a cooperative initiative between Meta and Sri Lankan institutions with the goal of promoting AI technology. The discussions purely centered on using artificial intelligence to implement programs that were driven by the data collected, in addressing climate change and upholding the country's AI sector to prosper, notably in education. This can be considered a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence in Sri Lanka when it comes to collaboration and partnerships.
Additionally, to raise student awareness and comprehension of cutting-edge technologies like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence STEMUP Educational Foundation and Zone24x7, a well-known provider of comprehensive technology consulting and engineering solutions have formed a strategic alliance. (Asia Education Review, n.d.) The innovative 'AI for Kids' initiative is intended to be implemented through this partnership. As artificial intelligence advances and becomes increasingly integrated into many businesses across the globe, exposing kids to AI education early on gives them the skills they need for future technology-driven jobs, making them industry-ready.
Investment in Research and Development
Sri Lanka must focus more on investments in research and development to effectively steer the challenges and mobilize the opportunities of AI in national security. The driving factor behind the development of AI capabilities and talent is establishing more dedicated research centers, think tanks and innovation hubs. Sri Lanka can tap into its human potential and tailor solutions to its unique security challenges by fostering a conducive environment for AI innovation. The more research is being done on the field of AI and its impact on national security, the more successful is the implementation of AI mechanisms on the practical level.
The Sri Lankan government has shown its clear recognition of the importance of AI by holding a committee to overlook the creation of the country’s AI policy, housed under the Presidential Secretariat. UNDP, Sri Lanka as one of the partners to the committee has introduced the AI Readiness Assessment; a potent instrument designed to evaluate the current standard in the field and propose suggestions to be formulated in the following year with regard to the country’s comprehensive AI plan. AIRA is made up with the help of a thorough survey that gathers public sector insights and a series of Key Informant Interviews and considers the viewpoints of NGOs such as the commercial sector, development partners, and academia. The UNDP is optimistic that Sri Lanka will be on the lead of the AI exploration and that the results obtained from AIRA will significantly have an impact and quicken the implementation of the nation’s AI policy. (UNDP, 2023)
Way Forward
In terms of national security Sri Lanka is at the crossroads of the age of AI. Artificial intelligence offers a significant promise in enhancing measures related to national security. It also presents an array of new challenges and ethical considerations. Sri Lanka possesses the capacity to effectively utilize the potential of AI to safeguard its national security by carefully addressing the challenges, international collaboration, and investment in research and development. Maintaining the balance between using AI for security purposes concerning privacy and ethical considerations is a delicate act, but one that is crucial for a long-lasting and secure future.
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* Ms. Lakshi Upananda is an Intern (Research)at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence. The opinion expressed are her own and not necessarily reflective of the institute or the Ministry of Defence.