IT Archives

April 18, 2024

The SLASSCOM FIT HIT 2024 initiative wrapped up on recently, after a comprehensive two-month endeavor dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the IT/BPM Industry. With over 300 participants from 25+ companies, the event featured a variety of activities aimed at encouraging healthier habits and lifestyles in the tech industry.

At the heart of FIT HIT 2024 were four dynamic webinars with a focus on nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and overall well-being. A highlight of FIT HIT 2024 was the 21-day steps challenge, hosted online via the Ayubo life app. Participants were encouraged to achieve a daily step goal of 10,000, promoting consistent physical activity and embracing healthier habits. This challenge provided a motivating platform for participants to stay active throughout the event. In addition to the steps challenge, FIT HIT 2024 featured seven weeks of Couch to 5km sessions, guiding individuals in gradually improving their fitness levels. These sessions culminated in the Final 5km Run/Walk, offering participants a holistic fitness experience.

‘The culmination of FIT HIT 2024 marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering a culture of health and wellness within the IT/BPM Industry. With the participation of over 300 individuals from 25+ companies, this initiative exemplifies our collective commitment to promoting healthier habits and lifestyles. Our industry is challenged by non-communicable diseases, and we are very keen to encourage employee health and well-being. Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry will be known not just as the island of ingenuity but as a responsible one that champions employee health and well-being, mental health, ESG, diversity and inclusion, tech for good, and inclusive growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners, especially Union Assurance, our Platinum sponsor for being a driving force behind our efforts to prioritize employee health. Our event partner Ayubo life also deserves special recognition as their innovative platform provided the backbone for our 21-day steps challenge, offering participants a seamless and engaging way to track their progress and stay motivated. Moreover, the support extended by our Platinum Corporate Sponsors – Dialog Enterprise and Mireka Towers, along with our other sponsors Standard Chartered Bank, CMS, InTalent Asia, Ceylon Cold Stores, and RoarAdx, has enhanced our initiatives, enabling us to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of our participants,” stated Jehan Perinpanayagam, Chairman of SLASSCOM.

The conclusion of FIT HIT 2024 underscores the immediate need for bolstered health and wellness initiatives within the tech sector. Recognizing this, FIT HIT 2024 is the commencement of SLASSCOM’s endeavors to advocate for health and wellness within the IT/BPM Industry. In the future, they intend to uphold this momentum by enacting enduring strategies that integrate a culture of health and wellness throughout the tech sector. These encompass initiatives such as promoting ergonomic workspaces, providing wellness programs, and cultivating a supportive atmosphere that encourages employees to prioritize their well-being.

March 19, 2024

In an era where data reigns supreme, understanding its evolving landscape is pivotal for Information Technology (IT) professionals as well as for the student community. The first webinar of the ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’ by the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) Tech Forum, featured Raghavendra Rengaswamy, a distinguished Leader in the field of data and analytics. The webinar offered insights into the dynamic world of data, with Raghavendra’s experience providing a guiding light for those navigating the intricacies of data analytics. EY GDS Sri Lanka was the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor of this webinar series.

Over a span of over 25 years, Raghavendra’s career has followed a trajectory marked by significant roles across leading corporations. As a key member of the EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) leadership team, he is steering the organization with his leadership and valuable insights, playing a significant role in shaping the progress of the data and analytics landscape. Acknowledged for his notable contributions and featured in prestigious publications, Raghavendra brought an invaluable perspective to the forefront of data trends.

“As analytics leaders, our compass must be tuned to the symphony of emerging data trends. Our success lies in harmonizing innovation with ethical practices, balancing interpretability with complexity, and merging agility with strategic foresight, “outlined Raghavendra Rengaswamy

During the webinar session, Raghavendra articulated the imperative for a seamless integration of innovation and ethical principles within the contemporary data landscape and underscored the symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the evolution of data governance towards agility and ethical considerations, and the transformative impact of edge computing on real-time decision-making processes.

Raghavendra discussed the paradigm shift brought forth by hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, emphasizing their role in redefining the flexibility and scalability of data infrastructure and shed light on the significance of real-time analytics in prioritizing immediacy in data processing, while exploring the experimental yet promising frontier of quantum computing. He championed the democratization of data as a catalyst for fostering accessibility and usability within organizational cultures, thus encapsulating the multifaceted essence of today’s data-driven landscape.

Raghavendra also underscored the shift from descriptive to predictive analytics, breaking down of data silos and the maturation of data governance. Raghavendra stated that he predicts a future where AI and ML will be seamlessly integrated into business practices and emphasized the importance of ethical data practices and the potential of quantum computing. This vision sets the tone for the next decade in data science and analytics, he said.

While the evolving landscape presents challenges such as skill gaps and adapting to technological changes, these will be counterbalanced by opportunities for innovation and ethical leadership. To seize these opportunities, Raghavendra advises professionals to focus on continuous learning and adaptability. According to him, to navigate the complexities of the modern data world and pave the way for a responsible and innovative future, fostering a data-driven and ethically aligned organizational culture is paramount.

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February 2, 2024

At the forefront of driving the expansion and advancement of the IT/BPM industry nationwide, the SLASSCOM Regional Forum is positioned today as a pioneering force. With an unyielding commitment to both innovation and empowerment, the Forum emerges as a central and influential entity propelling the transformative evolution of the country’s IT/BPM landscape.

With a primary focus on youth empowerment, the forum strategically engages in initiatives aimed at enticing school leavers to join the IT/BPM sector and pursue studies in technology. By capturing the attention of young minds and showcasing opportunities within the tech sector, SLASSCOM’s Regional Forum is instrumental in fostering a tech-savvy and skilled workforce, significantly contributing to the overall progress of the IT/BPM sector in the country.

Haridhu Abeygoonaratne, Forum Head of SLASSCOM for the Regional Forum stated that they currently spearhead a spectrum of key activities. Outlining the programs designed and the speaking of the success they have reaped he said ‘the SLASSCOM Tech Kids Program was launched to serve as a foundational initiative, engaging young minds in technology early on to equip the future workforce with essential tech skills.

He further explained that the SLASSCOM Bridge Program has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry demands, offering specialized training opportunities for aspiring professionals keen to enter the industry. Actively engaging with universities in tier 2 and 3 provinces, SLASSCOM has contributed to curriculum modernization, ensuring education remains aligned with the swiftly evolving tech landscape. The forum further facilitates upskilling and reskilling through workshops and webinars, preparing undergraduates for the dynamic demands of the industry. They have organized IT/BPM career fairs in the northern and eastern regions of the country, connecting top tech companies with emerging talent, fostering awareness and creating career opportunities. Looking ahead, the forum has ambitious plans to extend the success of these career fair models to the southern region, with a specific focus on Ruhuna University. This forward-looking approach aims to further expand the positive impact of fostering a thriving IT/BPM ecosystem across key universities nationwide.

Furthermore, Haridhu emphasized that the Ingenuity Awards, initiated by the forum, serve as a platform to acknowledge and commend innovation. ‘It is designed to inspire individuals and companies, encouraging them to consistently challenge the limits of creativity and technological progress within their respective industries’ he noted. The accolades bestowed through this initiative has acted as a powerful impetus for ongoing innovation, fostering a culture where pushing the limits is not just encouraged but celebrated.

Haridhu, the SLASSCOM Regional Forum is also actively engaged in impactful collaborations and industry partnerships, partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Royal Norwegian Fund, thereby playing a pivotal role in assisting startups in going global and securing funding. These collaborations collectively contribute to the forum’s mission of creating a conducive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development within the IT/BPM sector.

Haridhu expressed that the Forum envisions a continued role in fostering talent discovery and creating avenues for growth within the IT/BPM industry. Strategic initiatives, partnerships, and innovative programs are poised to further elevate the role of tier 2and 3 cities in the tech landscape, ensuring a robust and sustainable future for the IT/BPM sector across Sri Lanka.

January 31, 2024

Leading ICT veteran Chrishan Fernando joins the Board of Netsys Solutions from February. Chrishan is an experienced IT leader with over 25 years of experience working for leading Global IT Companies. He started his international career with Compaq Computer in 1997 and was based in Singapore covering South Asia markets. Later with the merger of HP, he moved back to Sri Lanka, his country of birth, and started the HP office in Sri Lanka. Head hunted by IBM in 2009, to be the Country General Manager for Sri Lanka’s biggest IT company, he led the introduction of new lines of businesses such as software and IBM’s Global Business Services to the Sri Lanka market. At Dell Technologies, he was the Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives. Under his leadership, Dell reached No 1 in market share for consumer and commercial business in Sri Lanka.

He also served Fiserv as it is Director Sales in Sri Lanka, and is now a keen promoter of Skills education in Sri Lanka, and believes that Sri Lanka can rise to new heights by capitalizing on the very adaptable human resources. He has an MBA in Marketing, and is a Certified Professional Marketer Asia Pacific, and a Certified Director from the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors. He is married and has two daughters, loves socializing, photographing Nature and watching sports. Referring to his new role, Chrishan noted “I would like to bring all my experience gained through working with the leading MNCs for many years to facilitate Netsys Solutions’ journey towards the leading System Integrator in the Asian Region.’ Thusitha Alwis, Founder and Managing Director of Netsys Solutions stated that the company envisages to tap on to his vast experience in the area of Sales and Consultancy to forge the company’s next phase of growth in the Region.

Netsys Solutions is one of the leading ICT & ELV Network solutions provider over the last decade with projects within the country and the region. Their portfolio of products and solutions range from data storage consolidations, passive & active infrastructure, security solutions, virtualization solutions, active directory servers to security infrastructure. Their operations have positively impacted businesses as well as people in Sri Lanka and in various other countries in the region in diverse industries with business solutions that were developed and implemented with their strategic partners.

January 24, 2024

In response to the proposed Online Security Bill, SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies), FITIS (Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka), CSSL (Computer Society of Sri Lanka) and BCS Sri Lanka (British Computer Society) jointly express concerns and recommendations for the government’s consideration. Sri Lanka in embarking on Digital Economy

Key Concerns:

Impractical Liability for Intermediaries: Provisions holding online platforms and social media networks liable are deemed impractical, risking economic setback for Sri Lanka impacting key economic sectors including tourism, e-commerce, and IT-BPM industry.
High Compliance Costs: The proposed Bill may impose a significant financial burden on the industry, warranting careful examination to ensure sustainability.
International Human Rights Violation: Potential violations of ICCPR could tarnish Sri Lanka’s IT&BPM industry reputation internationally, emphasizing the need for alignment with accepted regulations.
Impact on International Cooperation: Concerns arise regarding potential reductions in our authorities’ ability to engage in international cooperation for data and electronic evidence gathering.

Recommendations:

Inclusive Stakeholder Consultations: Call for wider consultations with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of industry needs.
Alignment with International Standards: Modify or remove provisions conflicting with ICCPR and other international regulations to strike a balance between security and fundamental rights.
Careful Definition of Provisions: Advocate for narrower definitions to prevent unintended consequences and ensure compatibility with human rights principles.

SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL and BCS Sri Lanka emphasize the importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s digital economy and call on the government to collaborate in developing legislation that balances security and industry interests.

January 22, 2024

SLASSCOM has been at the forefront of advocating a comprehensive strategy dedicated to catalyzing transformative initiatives within the nation’s IT.BPM sector. Jehan Perinpanayagam, present Chairman of SLASSCOM, and Mr. Ashique Ali, immediate past Chairman, shared insights into their strategic vision and plans for the upcoming year.

At the core of SLASSCOM’s mission is a dedication to nurturing talent. Ashique Ali outlined several initiatives addressing the industry’s skills gap, with a notable example being the ‘Tech Kids’ program that has reached over 12,000 students from Grade 4 to 10 through 370 Code Clubs. The goal is to expand to 150 national schools, paving the way for a future generation of tech talent.

Jehan highlighted the success of the Future Careers Bridge program for school leavers, noting an enrolment of 33,000 students and support from 14 partners and 61 institutes. The program introduced seven innovative career tracks in 2023 and collaborated with IBM to launch the IBM SkillsBuild Platform, offering access to 1,000+ courses on emerging technologies. The SLASSCOM Academy, with over 100 trainers and numerous active users, plays a crucial role in upskilling and reskilling. Jehan mentioned reaching 35,000+ students through regional IT/BPM weeks and career fairs.

Top of Form

Ashique discussed the Graduate to Career (G2C) program by SLASSCOM, emphasizing its focus on enhancing technical expertise and soft skills for undergraduates and graduates. The initiative fosters collaboration among students, academia, and industry to align graduate capabilities with the sought-after skills in the IT/BPM industry. Ashique mentioned the success of the program, securing 14 university engagement agreements to date.

Moreover, the National Future Talent Initiative (NFTI), designed to inspire a passion for IT/BPM careers, entrepreneurship, and teaching IT, is supported by key stakeholders that include SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL, BCS Sri Lanka, state and non-state universities, ICTA, SLANSHE, University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, collectively championing the cause. This comprehensive approach significantly contributes towards fostering a robust ecosystem for the IT/BPM industry in the future.

Ashique explained the pivotal role played by SLASSCOM’s Global Trade and Investments Forum in linking Sri Lankan enterprises with international opportunities, boosting trade, attracting investments, and strengthening the nation’s business ecosystem. Jehan said that SLASSCOM is determined to further enhance Sri Lanka’s international profile by collaborating with government bodies and promoting the IOI brand.

SLASSCOM’s Ingenuity Awards, a platform for honoring tech innovators in Sri Lanka is set to expand its impact by integrating with the Global Innovation Awards, aiming to propel Sri Lankan tech innovators onto the global stage for international recognition and influence.

SLASSCOM has reached significant milestones in its ESG endeavours, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, with member companies of SLASSCOM aligning with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 10 Principles.

Having introduced an ESG Fundamentals Module and two initiatives centered on mental well-being and digital health that provides a comprehensive approach to employee welfare, SLASSCOM further introduced 11 Sustainability Policies aimed at encouraging organizations to operate as responsible businesses. The SLASSCOM CEO Starter Pack, developed in partnership with Virtusa, has garnered commitments from 42 member companies, spanning startups to small and medium-sized enterprises.

SLASSCOM’s advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping favourable policies for Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry. Notable achievements include removing mandatory conversion of foreign exchange earnings, lifting the suspension on IT equipment imports, and reforming labor laws. Ongoing efforts focus on attracting venture capital, facilitating visas for entrepreneurs and foreign talent, and liberalizing the service sector through bilateral agreements and trade blocs.

Playing a consultative role in the formulations of the government’s Digital Economy Strategy, National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, and reforms to Education Policy, the association has pledged support for the DigiEcon 2030 roadmap which envisions the digital economy to contribute 15% to the nation’s GDP.

December 19, 2023

Virtusa, a global provider of digital strategy, digital engineering, and IT services and solutions, successfully concluded the Code to Cloud: DevOps with AWS training program, followed by an ambitious 98-minute AWS Rush Hour hackathon challenge in partnership with the University of Peradeniya (UOP) recently. With the world heralding the era of cloud computing, Virtusa ensured participating members of the Computer Society of UOP are equipped with the knowledge and skillset to aid them in gaining an advantage in the highly competitive IT job market at the conclusion of this training programme.

“Today, everything in the digital world is connected to the cloud in some way or another, and cloud computing has become a critical part of the IT industry,” Indika Wimalasuriya – Senior Systems Engineering Manager, Managed Services elaborated on the training programme. “According to Forbes, spending by businesses worldwide on cloud computing is forecast to top US$ 1 trillion for the first time in 2024[1], a global market trend that has directly contributed to an escalating demand for cloud computing professionals in the industry. As the most sought-after employer by fresh IT graduates in the country, we at Virtusa understand the role we must play in equipping these students with the necessary training and knowledge, so that they can explore such high demand job prospects in the immediate future.”

The 15-hour training programme was broken down into 10 individual sessions, and hosted remotely by a specialist tech panel from Virtusa Sri Lanka comprising Indika Wimalasuriya, who was joined by Kapila Sanjeewa – Associate Engineering Manager, Digital Engineering; Milinda Nandasena – Software Engineer – Managed Services; and Mohan Tharanga Edirisinghe – Senior Lead Software Engineer – Managed Services. The training programme was carried out as part of Virtusa’s Campus Reach initiative – an industry-academia partnership designed to carry out immersive student engagements such as visitations, internships and mentoring among other activities, with an overarching objective to meet future IT talent needs of Sri Lanka. Anniston Leo – Associate Consultant – Campus Hiring SL represented the Campus Reach initiative and supported the tech team in facilitating the training programme.

The training series covered key aspects of modern software development, where participants were provided with insights into DevOps principles, enabling them to explore diverse software architectures including serverless, and receive hands-on experience with AWS and Kubernetes. The program also delved into Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Amazon CloudFormation, microservices development, and deployment with AWS tools, as well as CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins. The journey concluded with an exploration of serverless computing through AWS Lambda. This program equipped participants with the knowledge and experience needed to seamlessly transition code from development to the cloud.

With the conclusion of the training program, Virtusa organized assessments for the undergraduates, providing them with hands-on experience to address real-world problems. Following this, a hackathon titled “AWS Rush Hour: The 98-minute Challenge” was conducted on the university premises. The hackathon was a remarkable success; program participants were given an opportunity to meet their Virtusa specialist trainers in person, network, and more importantly, gain valuable industry insights.

To mark the conclusion of this initiative, an award ceremony was held, during which Virtusa presented certificates to individuals who successfully completed the training program. Certificates were also conferred upon the winners of the hackathon during an award ceremony, which was graciously attended by Prof. Saluka R. Kodituwakku, Senior Professor of Statistics and Computer Science at the University of Peradeniya. Prof. Kodituwakku expressed his gratitude to Team Virtusa, acknowledging their commitment and efforts in supporting young talent to thrive in their future careers. He deeply appreciated the individuals who dedicated their time and expertise to the event, ensuring that aspiring students received the guidance necessary to navigate their career paths successfully.

Sahan Kodituwakku – President of the Computer Society of UOP – eagerly anticipating further collaborations of this nature, went on to express his gratitude to Virtusa’s Campus Reach Team and facilitators for providing the undergrads with a valuable opportunity to explore the latest technologies and their applications in real-life projects.

The participants too, expressed their gratitude for the experience and exposure received during the program. “What stood out the most was the quality of guidance provided during the sessions. The instructors were knowledgeable and approachable, making it easy to grasp complex concepts,” Darshana Thamara stated, while Viranga Jayawardana emphasized on the training benchmark maintained by Virtusa, saying “The comprehensive content and well-structured sessions were incredibly informative and valuable, and the session materials were well-prepared and easy to follow, making it an enriching learning experience. I greatly appreciate the effort put into organizing this workshop and the depth of knowledge shared throughout the event.”

[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/10/09/the-10-biggest-cloud-computing-trends-in-2024-everyone-must-be-ready-for-now/?sh=f9206b966d67#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%20spending%20by%20businesses%20on,artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)%20services.

December 13, 2023

EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Sri Lanka, which is part of the global EY network of service delivery centers, has joined hands with Sri Lanka Association for Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’. The object of the collaboration is to develop and nurture the next-generation talent pool for the Information Technology (IT) sector in the country, in line with the Ministry of Technology’s agenda in advancing the national digital economy.

While Sri Lanka’s IT sector creates approximately 20,000 job openings annually, the collective output of IT graduates from both the public and private universities in the country is estimated at around 10,000 individuals. These findings reveal the need for both quantitative and qualitative improvements in the workforce in order to meet the industry requirements. To help address this, EY GDS Sri Lanka has joined hands with SLASSCOM with the intent of tackling the prevailing knowledge gaps among IT-BPM industry professionals and the student community and strengthening the country’s IT ecosystem.

The ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’ is designed to upskill participants and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their careers. The sessions are free of charge and will greatly benefit Sri Lanka’s diverse IT community, which includes students currently pursuing IT-related university programs, professionals working in various roles within the IT industry, as well as top-level executives with a keen interest in staying informed of the latest trends and developments in the field.

The webinars will feature presentations by a diverse group of industry professionals, both international and local, who will share their valuable insights and experiences across a wide range of topics. Every quarter, an esteemed speaker from EY GDS will lead a session, offering actionable insights into a key topic.

EY GDS Sri Lanka is committed to delivering industry-leading thought leadership and elevating the overall quality of insights. In these comprehensive sessions, speakers will delve into an array of highly dynamic topics, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, augmented reality, virtual reality, the Metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), DevOps, Agile methodologies, cloud migration strategies and sustainable technology. The aim is to provide participants with in-depth insights and acclimatize them with the latest tools and help them in enhancing their careers.

“The ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’ strongly aligns with our commitment to unlock the potential of Sri Lanka’s technology sector. At EY GDS Sri Lanka, upskilling and reskilling are integral to our work culture. We are committed to continually enhance the skills of our workforce, so that their careers remain adaptable in the rapidly changing technological landscape,” said Samantha Rajapaksa, Location and Consulting Leader, EY GDS Sri Lanka. “We are proud to collaborate with SLASSCOM in our shared mission to strengthening Sri Lanka’s ICT ecosystem and advancing the nation’s digital economy. By leveraging our collective capabilities, resources and networks, we aim to facilitate these insightful webinar sessions and empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills essential for building a better working world,” he added.

Based in 21 cities across 10 countries, EY GDS is a global network of service delivery centers that provide innovative and strategic business solutions and services to EY member firms, service lines and functions across the globe. Supported by over 74,000 professionals, EY GDS continues to increase its presence in key markets while offering various career opportunities from technology consultants to qualified accountants. EY GDS Sri Lanka helps the EY organization diversify in the Asia-Pacific region and serve as a nearshore center along with EY GDS Philippines and India, while opening the door to new opportunities and partnerships in the region. With ambitious growth plans, EY GDS Sri Lanka continues to provide career opportunities to hundreds of talented local professionals to evolve with global industry trends despite the challenging macroeconomic context.

November 9, 2023

The National IT & BPM Week held recently , was a collective endeavour supported by the National Future Talent Initiative (NFTI), which fostered collaboration among SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL, EDB, BCS, UGC, SLANSHEI, IEEE, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Technology, ICTA, VTA, NAITA and academia. This collaborative effort attracted a diverse audience, including students, job seekers, freelancers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and educators. The event was inaugurated by his excellency, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with the presence of Mr. Kanaka Herath, the State Minister of Technology.

Throughout the week, a multitude of activities and initiatives were held, that empowered participants with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the IT & BPM sector. Specialized counselling sessions were tailored to the needs of students at different educational levels, providing valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities available within the industry. Additionally, a career fair created opportunities for attendees to explore internships and job prospects within the sector, benefiting both job seekers and the industry.

Sri Lanka’s IT & BPM industry has been on a remarkable trajectory, with earnings soaring to an impressive USD 1.7 billion, with a staggering 90% retained through locally generated human capital value addition. This industry has not only significantly contributed to the national GDP but has also employed over 144,000 highly skilled knowledge workers, boasting more than 500 companies, both foreign and locally owned.

With the ever-increasing global demand for technology solutions and talent, Sri Lanka has set its sights on expanding its exports to reach USD 5.0 billion and growing its skilled workforce to 200,000. This ambitious objective is designed to address the industry’s requirements, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and establish 1000 IT/BPM startups, ultimately contributing a significant 15% to the national GDP. The IT & BPM week served as an initiative to pave the path towards achieving these aspirations.

Mr. Madu Ratnayake, Chairman of NFTI, emphasized the industry’s extraordinary growth and achievements, setting the stage for a brighter future where the youth of Sri Lanka can pursue rewarding careers in the IT/BPM sector.

Mr. Jehan Perinpanayagam, Chairman of SLASSCOM, underscored the shared commitment of industry leaders, educational institutions, and the government to nurture a future-ready workforce, reaffirming the sector’s importance to Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.

The National IT & BPM Week received invaluable support from key sponsors, including Sysco LABS as the Innovation Partner, and Gold Sponsors Accario, IFS, Intrepid Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, Millennium IT ESP, Wiley, Informatics Institute of Technology, hSenid Business Solutions, Virtusa, HCL Tech and ESoft. Silver Sponsors included Brennan, Creative Software, EFutures and 99x. Career stalls included Advania, Axcenze, ACCA, and Innodata Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Dialog Business Services, Kerner Norland, VitalHub Innovations Lab, Infomate, Scybers, I T X 360, H Connect International Private Limited (Hirdaramani Group Venture), Loop1, CMA, Envoy Ortus, topjobs, Magicbit, University of Moratuwa and Regional hubs.

The National IT & BPM Week’s resounding success not only celebrates Sri Lanka’s achievements in the IT & BPM sector but also highlights its dedication to nurturing a workforce capable of driving the nation’s growth in the global technology arena.

October 16, 2023

TAC.Ai revolutionises IT operations through generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, ensuring optimal uptime, efficient troubleshooting and greater access to IT system management knowledge.

October 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka; NCINGA unveiled its revolutionary AI-powered TAC.Ai solution recently, providing businesses and IT systems managers with multiple transformative benefits. This latest innovation by the global systems integrator emphasises smarter, more efficient IT support and operations. TAC.Ai eliminates the pitfalls of reactive troubleshooting, simplifies the complexities of IT platforms and reduces issue resolution times significantly – thereby leading to more effective decision-making. With downtimes contributing to lost revenue and their severity dependent on downtime duration, TAC.Ai functions as a strategic business asset that redefines the future of IT systems management.

TAC.Ai tackles IT operations and maintenance challenges by minimising revenue losses and improving operational efficiency through proactive prediction and prevention of unplanned IT platform downtime. Leveraging big data analytics and the predictive capabilities of AI, this approach swiftly identifies potential issues and promptly alerts the IT operation and maintenance teams. TAC.Ai provides generative AI-powered, detailed, step-by-step technical guidance to effectively troubleshoot, isolate and address IT system issues before they become critical, preserving both time and resources. Organisations are better equipped to reduce costs associated with routine IT system troubleshooting. TAC.Ai also empowers in-house teams to tackle a spectrum of IT challenges, irrespective of their previous training levels.

TAC.Ai provides real-time multi-vendor IT system monitoring to ensure uninterrupted operations across various technology platforms. This approach improves service reliability and consistency. Additionally, TAC.Ai’s cloud-agnostic data engineering stack enables instant analysis of vast data streams, facilitating faster decision-making. Our solution leverages predictive AI and anomaly detection using machine learning (ML) algorithms, equipping businesses to proactively identify potential disruptions and lower unplanned downtime costs. The generative AI-powered alerts that TAC.Ai triggers give teams detailed troubleshooting guidance for rapid incident response and better customer experiences. The interactive, dialogue-based support system via a Q&A format reduces operational delays and enhances team productivity. Furthermore, integration with existing documentation (including design documents, configuration guides and past ticket histories) gives comprehensive system knowledge. All of these capabilities result in businesses having the relevant information to make the right strategic decisions, streamline issues and significantly reduce the occurrence of problems.

Commenting on the launch, Harindha Fernando, CEO of NCINGA, said: “Organisations depend on reactive IT support, addressing issues only after they occur. This results in extended downtimes, higher costs and poor customer perceptions. Relying on a few IT experts creates bottlenecks too, risking the entire IT platform if they’re unavailable. It is imperative to democratise IT knowledge and empower a wider range of professionals with the necessary skills. We designed TAC.Ai to address these very issues, with the potential to revolutionise the way enterprises operate.”

Tharindu Sankalpa, the AI/ML Solution Architect behind TAC.Ai, added: “The rise of generative AI and large language models is truly democratising domains that once required professionals with specific knowledge. At NCINGA, we’re at the forefront of this shift to leverage advanced AI capabilities, transforming IT operations and maintenance so that more professionals are empowered to handle their issues effectively and independently.”

TAC.Ai is the latest addition to NCINGA’s future-oriented technology solutions lineup. The main technology solutions offered by NCINGA cover cybersecurity, multi-cloud, networking infrastructure, enterprise application services, blockchain, metaverse and sustainability solutions. NCINGA is a Cisco Gold Integrator.

Older Posts

FIT HIT 2024 Wraps Up Triumphantly, Setting the Standard for Health and Wellness in the Tech Industry

Data in harmony: integrating future trends with ethical practices in the digital age

SLASSCOM spearheads Innovation and Capacity Building for a Dynamic IT/BPM Landscape in Sri Lanka

Leading ICT Veteran Chrishan Fernando joins the Board of Netsys Solutions

Joint Press Release from IT&BPM Industry Stakeholders Urging Government Review of Online Security Bill

SLASSCOM to Drive Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM Sector Growth through Innovation and Impact

Virtusa Wraps-up ‘Code to Cloud’ Training Program with University of Peradeniya

EY GDS Sri Lanka and SLASSCOM join hands to bridge IT skill gap

The National IT & BPM Week Highlights a Commitment to Nurturing a Dynamic and Future-Ready Talent Pool in Sri Lanka

NCINGA launches TAC.Ai: Redefining IT operations and maintenance from reactive to proactive with AI-powered technology