By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): The National IT and BPM Week is all set to kick off in October to drive Sri Lanka into the digital economy era.
The central event is scheduled for 11, 12 and 13 October at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall in Colombo.
This dynamic initiative, propelled by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, aims to raise awareness of emerging technologies, facilitate skill development, provide career guidance, and nurture IT entrepreneurship.
The three-day event is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including students from both public and private universities, vocational education institutes, job seekers, and entrepreneurs within the Western Province.
It promises a platform for industry insights, career counselling, and workshops on IT and business processes conducted by esteemed technical educational institutions. Internships and job opportunities will also be made accessible.
Technology Ministry Director Development Janaka Sampath Geekianage, National Future Talent Initiatives Institute (NFTI) Chairman Madhu Ratnayake, Sri Lanka Society for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) Chairman Jehan Perinpanayagam, DIGIECON 2023-2030 Project Director Prasad Samarawickrama addressed the media on this significant endeavour at the Presidential Media Centre last Friday.
Sri Lanka’s IT and Business Process Management industry have been on an impressive growth trajectory, providing employment to over 144,000 professionals. This sector, with its pivotal role in the Sri Lankan economy, significantly contributes to the country’s GDP.
In 2022, it generated around $ 1.7 billion, with ambitious Government plans to elevate this figure to $ 5 billion. Globally, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as digitization, automation, and artificial intelligence is witnessing a rapid surge. Prioritizing skill development is essential to align with these trends and achieve our desired objectives.
Furthermore, there is a vision to expand the workforce in this sector to 200,000 individuals, creating fresh employment opportunities for the youth. Anticipated to contribute 15% to the country’s GDP, this industry’s growth will position Sri Lanka at the forefront of the economic landscape, fostering a more prosperous nation.
Under the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the leadership of State Minister for Technology Kanaka Herath, the Ministry of Technology and the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with key stakeholders, are orchestrating this program.
These include the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the SLASSCOM, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), the Information Technology Industry Federation (FITIS), the Sri Lanka Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and other technical education institutes.
