Tech Way Forward

Manori Unambuwe calls for a renewed focus on workplace tech integration

In the immediate few months following the onset of COVID-19, IT exports were impacted by a loss of revenue while cash flows were a great concern. Elaborating on these market reactions of the IT industry, Manori Unambuwe states that “some entities had to lay off temporary staff and contract workers but the government’s immediate response with financial relief measures helped tide over.”

Despite these challenges, she notes that many startups stepped in to help the nation in numerous ways: “They worked with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) in supporting the government’s COVID-19 response efforts by generously dedicating their time and effort, to build apps and integrations for mission critical systems.”

“Examples of such efforts include the development of the mobile app ‘MyHealth Sri Lanka’ by the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and  Indigenous Medicine; ‘oDoc,’ which offers free video consultations; PickMe and Sathosa teaming up for grocery deliveries; and a contact tracing app by Arimac,” explains Unambuwe, which indicates how the industry came together to support each other and the country.

As a result of COVID-19, IT is one of many industries experiencing disruptions to business. According to Unambuwe, “the IT export sector is envisaging a drop in revenue and profitability due to the cancellation of orders, and postponement of procurement of IT systems in the midterm.”

She believes that even if a vaccination is found, it will take many years for the world to become immune to the virus: “I don’t think we will ever go back to the ‘old normal.’ We need to think out of the box, and encourage innovation to support the ‘new normal’ and opportunities that arise out of the pandemic.”

COVID-19 has become the impetus for digital transformation that must be leveraged to reorient the IT industry. While IT companies that depended on segments such as travel and tourism would be impacted in the midterm, it is more important to consider the opportunities rather than challenges.

In terms of business continuity at such a time, COVID-19 highlighted the gaps in IT systems or a lack thereof in local industry with Unambuwe elaborating that “we’re living in a connected world; yet, many systems remain unintegrated and operate in silos.”


She continues: “In Sri Lanka, financial services and the telecom industry were better prepared due to their mature IT systems. Systems and processes to enable remote operations, work from home (WFH) and increased demand for e-commerce were not sufficient in some sectors including the government.”

“It is time for them to embrace digital transformation. Technology is not simply ‘nice to have’ anymore but an imperative to stay in business,” she posits.

Business continuity was disrupted in many other ways including import restrictions that challenged the fulfilment of contractual obligations for local IT projects. To this end, Unambuwe notes that “it is important to review these restrictions to avoid supplier defaults and delays.”

Overall, markets are experiencing drastic changes that will impact them in the long term. Similarly, many SMEs are challenged to retain staff in the face of a cash flow crunch.

Providing insights on this predicament, Unambuwe asserts: “Labour laws in Sri Lanka do not support salary cuts or flexible employment. Human capital is the most important asset of industry and prevailing labour laws must be reviewed in terms of contractual regulations to enable a reduction of salaries during loss making periods to retain talent.”

“More focus is needed for programmes supporting SMEs and startups, including acceleration and market access. Moreover, stronger connections to global startup ecosystems are essential,” she adds.

On a personal note, as an ambassador, Unambuwe has begun connecting the Berlin startup ecosystem – which is considered the cradle of startups – with that of Sri Lanka and asserts that our overseas missions can play a vital role in this initiative.

Manori Unambuwe is the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Federal Republic of Germany – she was interviewed by Lashani Ramanayake.