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

Samantha Rajapaksa, EY GDS Sri Lanka Location & Consulting Leader

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.