President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday asked students to familiarize themselves with modern technology, but not to use applications such as Chatgpt for their regular exams.

Addressing the annual prize giving at Ananda College, Colombo, Wickremesinghe said the new generation was empowered in digital space, with tools such as Tiktok.

"We will not live to see the changes taking place in the world down the line. But you will experience them. So, it's time you come forward to shape the world you want to live in," Wickremesinghe said.

He highlighted the importance of young leaders taking up positions in politics to create a new order in the country.

"Anandians I know don't usually shy away from challenges. Look at Karu Jayasuriya. They're all for challenges," the President said pointing to the former Speaker who was seated in the audience. Jayasuriya, Wickremesinghe's long-time deputy, has now retired from active politics and focuses on his civil initiatives such as the National Movement for Social Justice.