Exchange of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dr. M. J. Shankar Jayaraman, CEO, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation (third from left), and Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata (fifth from left), in the presence of Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka (fourth from left). Also pictured are Devika Lal, Counsellor (Economic and Commercial), High Commission of India (extreme left); Aravindan Soundararajan, Deputy Manager, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation (second from left); and Viranthi Attygalle, Group Company Secretary, Dialog Axiata (extreme right).
Dialog Axiata has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Pravartak Technologies Foundation, India, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing applied research and technology development in Sri Lanka.
The collaboration strengthens India-Sri Lanka cooperation by bringing together international expertise and industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions to national and societal challenges. Dialog will serve as the collaboration anchor and technology enabler, connecting IITM Pravartak’s research networks with Sri Lankan industry stakeholders. The partnership will focus on five areas: innovation and incubation, applied research and university laboratories, artificial intelligence and human-centric solutions, industry skills and talent development, and international knowledge sharing. Initial areas of collaboration include Sinhala and Tamil conversational AI, technology-driven dengue prevention and response, and solutions addressing human-elephant conflict.
Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in technology and research.
Dr. Shankar Jayaraman, Chief Executive Officer, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, emphasized the importance of connecting academic research with practical applications while fostering knowledge exchange and technical capabilities.
Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata, highlighted the partnership’s potential to connect global expertise with Sri Lankan talent to develop meaningful solutions. He also acknowledged the support of the Indian High Commission in facilitating the collaboration.
The partnership will follow a phased approach, beginning with pilot projects to assess their potential before exploring opportunities for broader implementation, guided by measurable outcomes.
