President Ranil Wickremesinghe has made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing plans for extensive research on the relationship between Buddha’s teachings and Artificial Intelligence (AI), set to commence next year. In a statement made during his attendance at the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Society Moratuwa, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating LKR 01 billion for this pioneering initiative.
Originally slated to begin this year, the research project was postponed to next year due to the absence of necessary legislation for the regulation of AI. President Wickremesinghe assured that once the new laws are adopted, further steps will be taken to advance this interdisciplinary research.
President Wickremesinghe’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the exploration of ancient wisdom in conjunction with modern technology. The research aims to delve into the philosophical depth of Buddha’s teachings, leveraging AI techniques such as natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to uncover new insights and interpretations.
During the event, President Wickremesinghe also highlighted the importance of integrating Buddhist principles into efforts to address contemporary challenges, such as climate change. He emphasized the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in guiding humanity towards sustainable development and ethical progress.
The celebration at the Moratuwa Buddhist Society Hall, marking its centenary, was attended by a distinguished gathering of religious leaders, scholars, and dignitaries. President Wickremesinghe participated in solemn religious ceremonies and expressed his commitment to financing the restoration of the historic Hall.
As preparations for the research project unfold, President Wickremesinghe reiterated the government’s dedication to fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing in pursuit of national and global prosperity. The intersection of Buddha’s teachings and AI presents an unprecedented opportunity to harness the wisdom of the past to shape the future of technology and humanity.
By Palitha Ariyarathna
Ceylon Dairy and Cockpit News