Nearly one in five Sri Lankan consumers already use generative AI

Nearly one in five Sri Lankan consumers are already using generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, according to a new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

The study found that 18% of consumers had adopted generative AI, while 55% were aware of the technology. Adoption was highest among younger, urban and higher-income consumers.

Among consumers in the Western Province, covering Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara, 25% said they had adopted generative AI, compared with 18% in other urban areas and 15% in rural areas.

Income also played a major role. Adoption stood at 29% among affluent consumers and 25% among established-income households, compared with 8% among the lowest-income group.

Age was another significant dividing line, with younger consumers showing the strongest uptake.

The study also found that generative AI was moving beyond productivity-related use and increasingly shaping how consumers discover products and services.

Among existing GenAI users, 67% said they used the technology for productivity-related purposes such as research, translation, writing, work tasks or coding.

Another 33% used it for brand and product research, while 32% used it for travel planning. Entertainment accounted for 26% of usage and wellness-related purposes for 21%. c

Brand research through generative AI was particularly common among younger, urban and higher-income users. The study found that 39% of Gen Z users, 43% of urban users and 46% of those in established and higher-income groups used GenAI for brand research.

The findings form part of The Changing Path to Purchase in Sri Lanka, a study examining how consumers discover, select and pay for products and services.

The research was based on a nationally representative survey of 2,272 consumers across all nine provinces, supported by focus group discussions.

The report also found that digital channels are playing a growing role in purchasing decisions. Digital influence rose to 51% in 2026 from 32% in 2020, although word of mouth remained the single strongest source of influence at 66%.

Within digital channels, YouTube and social media were among the leading sources shaping product discovery, ahead of search platforms in several categories.

Pic - At the launch of the report. From left: Managing Director and Partner, BCG, Anshuman Upadhyaya Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG, Nishant Gupta, India Leader, Marketing, Sales and Pricing and Managing Director and Partner, BCG Parul Bajaj