The Government is to establish a university for AI related studies offering degrees, post graduate studies and research. University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Sampath Amaratunga told Education Times that this is the first time that an institution is being set up for AI related studies, though the subject was being covered by some universities already. He said that currently they are working on the process of obtaining approval for the institute, and expect to launch it by next year.

After the establishment of the institution, all AI related courses will be conducted from this institution, he said. Prof Amaratunga said that required facilities will be implemented. The priority will be the introduction of courses which have a job demand. Government funding will be used in addition to obtaining foreign funding from international donor agencies. Prof Amaratunga said that one of the reasons to establish the institution was the lack of an establishment to conduct AI studies, though there has been high demand. -DWI