You Don’t Need a Degree to Use AI. Jensen Huang Just Proved It. Sri Lanka, Pay Attention!

By Hiran  |  AI Skills Hub  |  February 2025  |  5 min read

Sri Lanka is sitting at just 6% AI adoption. That single number tells an uncomfortable story. While countries around the world are racing to embrace artificial intelligence, we risk being left behind — not because we lack talent, but because we haven’t yet been shown the door.

But here’s the twist. One of the most powerful voices in global technology just handed us the key. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently delivered a message that changes the entire conversation around AI — especially for countries like ours. And his message is beautifully simple: you don’t need a computer science degree to use AI. You don’t need to write a single line of code. All you need is the willingness to start.

The 6% Problem — Where Sri Lanka Stands Today

A recent Microsoft study exposed a sobering reality. Sri Lanka ranks among the lowest in the world when it comes to AI adoption. While nations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Africa are integrating AI into their businesses, education systems, and daily workflows, Sri Lanka is still in the early stages of awareness.

This isn’t a reflection of our intelligence or capability. Sri Lankan professionals are brilliant, creative, and resourceful. The gap is not about ability — it’s about exposure and access. Most people in Sri Lanka simply haven’t been introduced to AI tools in a practical, hands-on way. And that’s exactly what this article is here to change.

Jensen Huang’s Game-Changing Message for Emerging Markets

Jensen Huang, the CEO of NVIDIA — the company powering most of the world’s AI infrastructure — recently made a powerful statement that caught the attention of educators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders worldwide. He said something that felt almost revolutionary:

  “The programming language of the future is human.”

What does this mean? It means the barrier to entry for AI has essentially vanished. You no longer need to understand machine learning algorithms or master Python programming. Instead, you simply need to know how to talk to AI tools — in plain, everyday language. That’s it.

Huang’s argument is that the technology divide between developed and developing nations is not widening — it’s actually closing. Why? Because AI tools are now accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The playing field is levelling out, and countries like Sri Lanka have a rare opportunity to leapfrog ahead if we act now.

Why You Don’t Need a Degree to Use AI

Let’s put this myth to rest once and for all. AI is no longer a tool reserved for data scientists and software engineers. Today, tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are designed for everyday users. A teacher can use AI to create lesson plans in seconds. A small business owner can use it to write marketing copy, analyse customer feedback, or even draft contracts. A manager can use it to summarise reports, prepare presentations, and make faster decisions.

Here are real-world examples of what people are doing with AI right now — no degree required:

• A marketing manager in Colombo uses ChatGPT to generate social media captions and email campaigns in under 10 minutes.
• A university lecturer uses Google Gemini to translate educational content, helping students who struggle with English access world-class material.
• An entrepreneur uses AI to analyse market trends and create business plans — tasks that once required expensive consultants.
• A student uses Perplexity and NotebookLM to research complex topics and summarise academic papers in minutes.

The Real Opportunity for Sri Lanka

Jensen Huang’s core message for emerging markets is not about building AI servers or investing billions in infrastructure. It’s about something far more achievable:

We don’t need to build the servers. We just need to build the habit of using them.

This is the most important shift in mindset Sri Lanka needs right now. The technology already exists. The tools are free or incredibly affordable. What we need is a cultural and organisational shift — a commitment to learning, experimenting, and integrating AI into our daily workflows.

A Practical Plan — How to Move from 6% to 60%

Here is a step-by-step roadmap that individuals, managers, and companies in Sri Lanka can follow today:

1. Start using AI tools today. Download ChatGPT or open Google Gemini. Ask it a question about your work. See what happens. The learning curve is far gentler than you think.
2. Build a daily habit. Use AI for at least one task every day — whether it’s drafting an email, summarising an article, or brainstorming ideas. Consistency matters more than perfection.
3. Stop blocking AI at work. If your organisation restricts AI tools, it’s time for a conversation with leadership. AI is not a threat to productivity — it’s the biggest productivity multiplier of our generation.
4. Invest in practical training. Enrol in hands-on AI courses designed for beginners. You don’t need a background in tech — you just need curiosity and the willingness to learn.
5. Share what you learn. Knowledge spreads fastest when shared. Teach a colleague, post about your experience, or join a community of learners who are on the same journey.

The Bottom Line

Jensen Huang didn’t just talk about the future of technology. He handed a lifeline to every emerging market in the world — including Sri Lanka. The message is clear: the era of needing a degree or deep technical knowledge to benefit from AI is over. The programming language is now human. The tools are here. The only missing ingredient is action.

Sri Lanka doesn’t need to catch up. We need to leap forward. And that journey starts with one simple step — picking up an AI tool and asking it your first question.

Are you ready?

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Tags: AI Sri Lanka | Jensen Huang | Artificial Intelligence | No Degree Needed | Future of Work | AI Education | NVIDIA | AI Adoption Sri Lanka | Learn AI | Student Lanka