IT INDUSTRY
Compiled by Allaam Ousman
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GAP
Shehani Seneviratne shares insights into AI and our knowledge services
Q: In your assessment, how has the IT landscape evolved over the years – and what trends have you observed lately?
A: Generally, we view the IT and business process management (BPM) sectors as a single knowledge and innovation industry.
It is one of the fastest growing industries in the country and the third largest export revenue earner. Even amid the many crises Sri Lanka has faced, the industry has grown steadily.
Today, the latest trend is AI. And one of the biggest fears that people have is whether artificial intelligence will overtake the human workforce: ‘Will I be replaced by an AI bot?’
I believe that this isn’t the case but those who don’t adopt artificial intelligence in their work practices might be left behind. You must be open to new AI tools as they have become the norm.
Q: Can you elaborate on the significance of obtaining certifications in the IT industry?
A: We work predominantly with international customers. IT is an export industry and as a result, it’s necessary that we possess international certifications to assure customers that we’re delivering the required level of quality and predictability.
As an industry, we have billions of dollars of intellectual property (IP) in our possession. So as a country, we must portray ourselves as a credible and trustworthy workforce, which has a good set of values and ethics. Personally, I’m quite passionate about driving ethical practices and values across the industry.
Q: What do you consider to be the main strengths of the IT industry? And what are the major challenges facing the industry today?
A: Although Sri Lanka is a small country compared to its neighbour India, we are able to service niche markets or customers by providing high quality products and services.
Products and services for some leading global brands are delivered by our teams. This is possible because of our highly skilled and competent workforce. These graduates enter the workforce from state and non-state universities from across the country.
The industry also works together as a strong cohesive unit to take it forward. I believe that this is one of the main reasons for the IT industry being where it is today.
We faced challenges in 2022 when large numbers began migrating because of the instability here in Sri Lanka. This created a gap in the middle management tier. I think it was a common challenge that other industries and sectors also faced.
The peak numbers in terms of migration were probably recorded in 2022/23 but thankfully, we may be seeing a downward trend this year.
Another challenge is that Sri Lanka is less known internationally for its knowledge services. We’re better known for our tea, apparel and tourism. As a country, we need to do more to brand our knowledge services.
Q: In your opinion, what measures are needed to further develop Sri Lanka as an IT destination?
A: In terms of branding, we’re working with Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions in other countries to promote our brand, essentially making them as well as the IT migrant community our ambassadors in promoting Sri Lanka’s information technology brand.
And we are planning to establish many upskilling programmes to bridge the gap that has arisen in some middle management layers.
Additionally, the government has plans to set up several IT parks in several cities to make Sri Lanka more attractive to new investors as well as existing companies.
The National Digital Strategy 2023 will also drive Sri Lanka to be more innovative and inclusive, and foster sustainable growth.
Q: What initiatives can be taken to encourage more women to contribute to the IT industry and the national economy?
A: Although our population comprises 52 percent females, they have a representation of only 34 percent in the IT workforce. This number has increased substantially from 21 percent in 2010.
There’s healthy momentum as women are more progressive and also because companies understand the benefits of having a gender balanced workforce. IT is now seen as a good career option for women.
When it comes to women in IT leadership roles, the number is quite low – i.e. around 10 percent. Many initiatives are being taken to address this anomaly,
For instance, the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) launched its Women Technopreneurs Forum to mentor and grow female tech entrepreneurs, as well as women in corporate tech roles.
The objective is to encourage women to enter the IT industry while also mentoring them to take up leadership roles, thereby adding value to companies and contributing to the economy.
Q: How do you envision all these efforts coming together to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s IT industry?
A: The IT industry can be a huge contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy both in terms of providing employment as well as generating more export revenue for the country. There is immense untapped potential.
Given the initiatives that are underway and support from all stakeholders, I believe that there’s a promising future for the IT industry. It’s an industry in which there is always something positive to celebrate every day.
