SLASSCOM
Q: What is the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies’ (SLASSCOM) role in developing the tech industry?
A: As the national chamber for IT/BPM (business process management) companies in Sri Lanka, SLASSCOM plays many roles as an advocate, and a voice and catalyst for developing facets of the industry, while connecting stakeholders including chambers, government agencies and educational bodies with its members.
While promoting Sri Lanka’s talent and the Island of Ingenuity (IoI) brand, liaising with overseas chambers, leading IT/BPM players and evaluating locations, we’re also a knowledge hub with industry reports, marquee events and webinars featuring leading professionals.
We’ve earned a reputation for being among the most active trade chambers responsible for articulating the widely accepted industry vision for 2025 of earning US$ 5 billion in exports, creating 200,000 jobs and nurturing 1,000 startups.
We work closely with ministries and government bodies such as the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Export Development Board (EDB), Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Ministry of Finance, Foreign Ministry, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and University Grants Commission (UGC), as well as universities and foreign missions.
SLASSCOM’s strategic initiatives include global trade and investment, capacity, human resources, quality, BPM, regional development, entrepreneurship and innovation, technology and policy, and two pressing yet promising aspects – viz. women in technology (encouraging women technopreneurs), and pursuing sustainability, diversity and inclusivity.
Our accelerators promote the adoption of cutting-edge technology, and position Sri Lanka as a centre of excellence in AI, cybersecurity, products and platforms, and intelligent automation.
Areas that should be fast tracked are creating capacity to create a future ready workforce; and in global trade and investment, focussing on branding, international awareness and facilitating foreign investment.
It’s crucial that more people join IT/BPM study programmes. The necessary skills must be integrated into the curricula, combining mentorship, internships and relevant projects.
The Teach IT for Sri Lanka volunteer programme enables practitioners to deliver relevant modules, serving as an industry orientation for students.
SLASSCOM’s TechKids and Future Careers Bridge programmes are geared for schoolchildren – particularly in Ordinary and Advanced Levels – to create awareness and facilitate industry entry while they pursue higher studies, and educate parents, students and schools on promising IT/BPM careers.
Q: How are AI and IoT shaping the workplace?
A: COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of technology, and trends such as hybrid work models and online meetings.
AI will be increasingly used in decision-making support, from hiring to performance management and marketing. Our AI accelerator is looking at how it could be used in key economic sectors such as agriculture.
Almost all organisational functions will move to the cloud. And while there are important policy, privacy and ethical concerns, SLASSCOM contributes to shaping the policy framework.
Q: How can corporates improve their operations and the employee experience?
A: Customer testimonials from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), Sysco LABS, IFS, HCL Technologies, WNS Global Services, HSBC and more prove that Sri Lankan companies and talent can deliver the highest global standards.
From an HR standpoint, many of our members are listed among the Great Places to Work, which bears testimony to the excellent employee experience.
The leading companies have sophisticated and robust supply chains for talent and support services, while maintaining consistency, reliability and our reputation.
We’re committed to supporting member companies through knowledge sharing and world-class practices in all disciplines, with an emphasis on helping startups with mentoring, coaching and guidance.
Q: What advancements can stakeholders look forward to?
A: Technology and the internet are pervasive – they touch every facet of our lives.
We’re delighted to see that through ICTA, several e-government initiatives are underway. Similarly, every corporate leader must integrate emerging technologies such as AI to transform how business is conducted.
Technology and the internet will continue to transform the world, and be game changers and equalisers where SMEs can compete on a global scale.
The IT/BPM industry is transforming the region and we see similar potential for Sri Lanka.
Q: And how should Sri Lanka look to meet global industry standards?
A: Sri Lanka has many strengths, success stories and case studies from LSEG, HSBC, HCL, WNS, ADL, Wiley, R.R. Donnelley and others that set up operations here.
We must better promote the IoI brand and our unique capabilities to the world. We’re still unknown as an IT/BPM destination, and SLASSCOM is working on this with the BOI and EDB.
Technology parks – particularly outside the Western Province – will be key enablers, and continue to strengthen our infrastructure through stable power and connectivity.
Our educational bodies’ ability to scale up and a favourable policy framework will attract MNCs along with a robust venture capitalist ecosystem to fuel startups.
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