The ICT industry is one of the few that has prevailed amid the multiple crises that Sri Lanka has endured; and it is now at the forefront of enabling the country to move to the next phase of development through digital transformation.

“This industry has continued to grow, and attract new work, investors and customers, as well as increase its head count,” noted the Chairman of Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM), in a recent LMDtv interview.

Commenting on foreign companies recommitting to Sri Lanka, Jehan Perinpanayagam observed that “they are very impressed with the talent here – not only do they want to maintain it… they want to grow their pool in Sri Lanka.”

Corroborating his optimism for positive changes amid the challenges that must be overcome, he shared his endorsement of the president’s vision of a digital green economy.

Perinpanayagam noted: “We’ve seen the power of digitalisation. For instance, the QR code [during the fuel crisis] was an innovation rolled out by the private and public sectors working together. It was launched in two weeks, and saved lives and got the country working by addressing concerns about fuel queues. That’s the power of technology and digitalisation.”

“If we can fast track the adoption [of technology], there’s a great opportunity,” he added, referring to the example of India, which has largely shifted to digital modes of payment.

And he averred that “even street vendors [in India] have a digital ID and it has a much larger population that’s much more diverse. Some of its challenges are much larger than ours.”

“I call on the authorities to prioritise and work on the president’s vision at an accelerated pace,” Perinpanayagam urged, adding that the nation needs quick wins on the digital front: “Sri Lankans are very capable; we have some great talent. We need the will and execution to ensure that we accelerate the implementation of digitalisation across the country.”

He elaborated: “As they say, never waste a crisis. So if we can use this crisis to reset and rebuild a digital green Sri Lanka, we’ll have learned something and there will be a positive coming out of this crisis.”

Perinpanayagam listed several quick wins that would lay the foundation for digital transformation in Sri Lanka – namely the digital national identity card, and use of digital signatures and electronic documents.

He stressed the need for collaboration and asserted that there are partners “who are willing to support” the country – such as the Asian Deve­lopment Bank (ADB) and other development institutions, as well as private investors.

“Let’s work with them at an accelerated pace,” he urged, adding that internal collaboration between the government, the private sector and even the general public is necessary. He mused: “There are good initiatives; and there are good intentions. But sometimes, the coordination aspect is not the best.”

SLASSCOM’s Chairman remains positive when it comes to Sri Lanka’s potential and urged young people to be optimistic: “In this time of crisis, we all have a role to play in sharing positive updates.”

To this end, Perinpanayagam cited examples: “We have free healthcare and even developed countries struggle in this area. And we have great weather, lots of natural resources and everything required for energy. There are many positives in Sri Lanka that we need to remind ourselves of.”

He also spoke about the brain drain, which has “particularly impacted middle management – a key level because they are the ones who train new people coming into organisations.”

Moreover, he asserted that “we need to tell our young people that there is hope in Sri Lanka.”

“This is the time to stand up and contribute to make a difference. Let us bring Sri Lanka up to its true potential together. We’re a unique nation – a land like no other – especially if we can get our act together and be positive,” Perinpanayagam concluded.