IT INDUSTRY
Denver De Zylva
SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES
Technology’s quest to provide increasingly sustainable services globally
Sri Lanka’s IT industry
Not long ago, Sri Lanka ranked very high as a prospective IT-BPM destination in surveys published by leading analysts such as Kearney, Gartner and IBM.
Its future
With the right vision and mindset, we can realise our potential to turn Sri Lanka into an IT powerhouse.
Economic contribution
In 2021, Sri Lanka’s IT industry recorded revenues of US$ 1.2 billion and accounted for eight percent of the country’s total exports.
Industry potential
To leverage Sri Lanka’s IT talent pool, Tier 1 IT and telecom infrastructure to drive exports, employment and economic growth.
Evolving market trends
A joint thrust of technological disruption such as cloud adoption, AI and blockchain along with stakeholder demand.
What stakeholders demand
Responsible business through sustainability, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
Industry strength
It is sufficiently large to foster talent in emerging technologies while being agile enough to standardise best practices.
Growth strategy
Ensure strategic upskilling in emerging technologies while adopting international standards.
Importance of ESG and sustainability in the IT field
ESG leads to responsible business practices, which in turn result in sustainable earnings and ‘future proofed’ companies.
Future development
An industry that serves digital natives and is driven by young talent.
Sustainability legacy
We have to ensure that our operations, products and services are in line with creating a sustainable future for stakeholders.
ESG research
In 2022, the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) published the first study on ESG practices in this country’s IT businesses.
Strive for world-class excellence in all that you do, and continuously evolve to stay current and relevant – with accountability and responsibility
Study’s objective
It was an initial step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a ‘green IT’ destination.
Qualities one needs to pursue a career in the IT industry
Integrity, a high level of adaptability, self-discipline, problem solving skills and attention to detail.
Areas for improvement
Communication skills and the ability to translate technology into business terminology.
Sri Lanka’s IT status
Highly competitive…
Impact of the economic crisis on the industry
Every crisis is an opportunity to innovate and IT solutions should be explored in the same way that QR codes were utilised to address the fuel crisis.
Private sector’s role in achieving sustainable economic growth
Exploring new opportunities for value creation, empowerment and innovation, and benchmarking good governance practices.
Gender balance in the IT industry
Hybrid work environments resulting from the ‘new normal’ are providing opportunities for female professionals to balance their family and work commitments.
Use of facility management in developing the industry
It plays an important role in not only developing the IT industry but also driving the ESG agenda.
Facility management trajectory
Smart facilities management is required to entice workers to return to their offices.
Smart facilities management outcomes
Enriched occupant experiences, increased collaboration, upgraded workspaces, and boosts to employee morale and satisfaction.
Growth opportunities
The future of facilities management points to smart, resource optimised and connected facilities offering employees a highly collaborative experience.
Sri Lanka’s way forward with IT
As a key enabler of digital transformation – not only across businesses but around the island too.
IT industry going forward
It will play a vital role in supporting critical infrastructure – and building new digital infrastructure to support the economy in the future.
Positioning strategy
We should leverage technological expertise and ESG to differentiate Sri Lanka as an IT destination of choice.
Personal game plan
Strive for world-class excellence in all that you do, and continuously evolve to stay current and relevant – with accountability and responsibility.
Mantra for success
Never let a ‘good crisis’ go to waste; and when challenges arise, seize those opportunities to learn and grow.
