The Central Bank of Sri Lanka held its 76th Anniversary Oration on 23 October 2026 at the Central Bank Atrium, bringing together distinguished professionals, policymakers, academics, representatives of the financial sector and journalists.
The Oration was delivered by Ms. Shirin Hamid, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Information Technology Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the theme “The Intelligent Central Bank: Building Trust in the Age of AI.”
The Oration examined the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in central banking, highlighting the opportunities it offers to further strengthen the effective discharge of central banks’ mandates and the risks that require careful management. It underscored the importance of building and sustaining public trust as central banks increasingly integrate AI-driven solutions into their operations and decision-making processes.
Further, Ms. Hamid emphasized that the responsible adoption of AI requires systems that are explainable, secure, ethical, and supported by robust governance frameworks. She also highlighted the importance of effective human oversight to ensure that AI enhances institutional accountability, strengthens decision-making, and improves operational effectiveness.
The event provided a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing on the evolving role of AI in central banking, with particular emphasis on its implications for institutional credibility, public trust and the effectiveness of central bank operations.
Through its 76th Anniversary Oration, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to fostering informed dialogue on emerging technologies and their responsible adoption, with a view to strengthening institutional resilience, preserving public trust and preparing for the future of central banking.
