In Sri Lanka, FITIS, SLASSCOM, and CSSL are prominent associations in the ICT sector. While each association has a distinct focus, they collaborate to drive the digital economy. We spoke to Indika de Soyza, Chairman, FITIS, Dr Ajantha Athukorala, President CSSL and Ashique M Ali of SLASSCOM to understand the overall industry pulse and the key initiatives the associations have in store.
They spoke of the challenges businesses faced during the past two years, such as import restrictions and dollar constraints, but voiced their optimism about a resurgence of business activity. As testimony to the adaptive and resilient nature of the industry, the associations are working to overcome the issues. Crucial among them is talent migration which has created gaps in the workforce, exacerbating the existing shortage of skilled professionals. Here we present an introduction to the key activities of each association.
Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS)
FITIS is committed to fueling Sri Lanka’s digital economy by addressing talent development, promoting technology adoption, supporting SMEs, enhancing infrastructure, and collaborating with stakeholders locally and internationally. FITIS comprises eight chapters focusing on hardware, software, education & training, communication, professionals ( Information Systems Audit and Control), digital services, office automation, and independent professionals.
“The local market currently contributes less than 5% of the GDP, amounting to US$3.7 billion. It is significantly lower than mature markets’ 40% contribution. FITIS aims to increase the local digital economy market value to $15 billion by 2030” Indika de Soyza, Chairman of FITIS
A driver of policy: FITIS influences policy across all eight chapters. Currently, FITIS is working with the World Bank to develop a digital economy roadmap for the country to follow until 2030.
A driver of talent development: Recognizing that talent development is a global issue, FITIS has been working to develop talent quickly and robustly for several years. One key initiative involves workforce capacity building, focusing on training providers to enable trainers. Presently, Sri Lanka witnesses the graduation of around 11,000 students each year. National universities produce 1,200 graduates, while non-state organisations produce the remaining students.FITIS aims to double this capacity within two years by working with training institutions to provide short-term courses and nano degrees.
Working with National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), FITIS also provides an industry-accredited Higher Diploma in Digital Technology (HDDT), a two-year course including a 6-month internship
A driver of technology usage in teaching and learning: Promoting technology in teaching and learning is another priority for FITIS.
A promoter of e-commerce: FITIS members actively contribute to digitalising small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to operate on a global platform. To support this process of educating SMEs, FITIS is developing a playbook.
A driver of infrastructure development: The organisation collaborates with telecom companies to make broadband services accessible and affordable in rural areas. Additionally, FITIS is working on public usage models that prioritise security. This includes the education of the public on safe connectivity to the internet. FITIS also enables organisations to improve their security posture by funding professional security certification of CTOs and CIOs.
FITIS has planned several activities to advance the digital economy in the coming months. These include:
• INFOTEL exhibition and conference, bringing corporates, education and government sectors together, and showcasing technologies and competencies in ICT. This will be held at the BMICH from 3rd to 5th November
• The National Education Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and ICTA aims to foster dialogue among Sri Lanka’s educational industry leaders, IT industry, government, and the diplomatic community. Its objective is to address emerging challenges in teaching, education, and training, focusing on developing a highly skilled future workforce in ICT.
• Young Computer Scientist Competition (YCS) held in collaboration with MoE for the 23rd year. The Competition promotes ICT skills development among school children and encompasses challenges like programming, mobile app development, and web development. Winners of YCS compete in the APICTA regional competition, where top ICT innovators from the Asia-Pacific region gather.
• The Digital Excellence Awards is an annual event that celebrates organisations showcasing exceptional digital transformation initiatives.
• The Internet Day celebrated on the 22nd of November
Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL)
CSSL, the largest body representing ICT professionals in Sri Lanka, is committed to advancing the field and upholding a professional code of conduct. Established in 1976 with Prof. R.B Ekanayake at its helm, CSSL’s initial members included professionals from public institutions such as the Bank of Ceylon, Ports Authority, State Trading Corporation and the private sector.CSSL has a current membership strength of over 5,000 individuals.
In 1987, it was incorporated under the Companies Act. CSSL is currently striving to obtain recognition as a governmentapproved chartered body, to be able to grant chartered memberships to eligible professionals.
As a member of the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) and the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), CSSL actively participates in regional and international ICT initiatives. Locally, CSSL is a member of the Organization for Professional Associations (OPA). By engaging with various stakeholders, CSSL aims to elevate the ICT profession and contribute to the growth and development of the industry in Sri Lanka.
“Our members are dedicated to supporting the national objective of ICT contributing USD 15 billion to the GDP by 2030.” – Dr Ajantha Atukorale, President of CSSL
Upholding Professionalism and Ethical Conduct:
CSSL emphasises the importance of professionalism, putting the welfare of the community and Sri Lanka above the personal interests of its members. Promoting honesty and competence in all professional dealings, the association encourages members to focus on their professional development and contribute to the betterment of their colleagues and society.
Contributing to Higher Education Standards:
As a provisional signatory of the Seoul Accord, an accreditor of Computing degrees, CSSL ensures that degrees from accredited institutions in Sri Lanka receive global recognition. Currently, two institutions in Sri Lanka have obtained accreditation from the Seoul Accord through the CSSL.
As a member of two standing committees of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in Sri Lanka, the Computing Standards Committee and the Technology Standing Committee, CSSL actively contributes to the formulation of standards and policies related to computing education and technology in higher education
Key Initiatives
• National IT Conference (NITC): Organised annually since 1980, the NITC is one of the flagship and oldest events in the ICT industry. The conference serves as a platform for industry experts, professionals, and academics to exchange knowledge, insights, and best practices. This year, the NITC will take place at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo from 11th to 13th October 2023 under the theme “Towards Sustainable Digital Society”.
• National School’s Software Competition (NSSC): In partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE), CSSL conducts the NSSC to foster an interest in programming among school children. Winners of this competition receive certificates and prizes at a national event hosted by the MoE, alongside the winners of the Young Computer Scientists (YCS) competition organised by FITIS. CSSL also aims to connect the NSSC winners with the International Olympiad in Informatics, providing them with further opportunities to showcase their talents.
• Techtalks: CSSL organises informative talks by subject experts on various technological topics. These talks educate members and the public on emerging trends in the computing field and the upcoming Cybersecurity Bill. The events are conducted in a hybrid format, allowing online and onsite attendance
• Special Interest Group (SIG) – Women in IT: This initiative encourages and promotes ICT careers among women. CSSL organises a series of activities throughout the year to empower and support women in the industry
• GenZ Chapters: CSSL serves as a patron for GenZ chapters at public and private universities, promoting ICT careers among the younger generation. Presently, CSSL has established five Chapters, including at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), the University of Jaffna, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) and Horizon Campus.
• CIO List: Starting in October 2023, CSSL will publish an annual list of top Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in the country. The list recognises the contributions and achievements of CIOs and serves as a benchmark for excellence in the ICT field. CSSL will announce the inaugural list at the National IT Conference in October 2023 and invites interested individuals to apply for the 2024 list.
Other Events
In addition to its key initiatives, CSSL organises various other events that contribute to the growth and recognition of the ICT industry in Sri Lanka. These include
• The CSSL Awards, which recognise outstanding professionals in the ICT field.
• The Digital Investment Summit, which showcases IT products from Sri Lanka and facilitates connections between startups and potential investors.
Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM)
The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) is the national chamber for the knowledge and innovation (IT & BPM) industry in Sri Lanka, making a significant contribution to the country’s GDP, exports, employment, infrastructure and global visibility. Currently, the industry is the 2nd largest export earner for Sri Lanka, with the potential to become the #1 export revenue earner for the country.
With 400 members, SLASSCOM plays a pivotal role in sustaining the growth of the IT & BPM industry with a workforce of more than 144,000 employed at its member companies and accounting for approximately 90% of Sri Lanka’s IT & BPM industry export revenue.
SLASSCOM is active in facilitating trade and business, propagation of education and employment, making our workforce future-ready, encouraging research and innovation and supporting the creation of a progressive national policy framework in the interest of the IT & BPM industry.
“SLASSCOM plays a vital role in nurturing and advancing Sri Lanka’s IT and BPM industry. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, SLASSCOM drives growth and excellence, positioning Sri Lanka as a global destination for the knowledge and innovation industry.” Ashique M Ali, Past Chair SLASSCOM
Vision for 2030: As the industry chamber SLASSCOM has a vision of growing the industry to be USD 5 billion in exports while creating 200,000 highly skilled workforce and facilitating 1,000 startups and becoming the first green IT & BPM destination. SLASSCOM collaborates with the Government of Sri Lanka, industry, academia and ecosystem partners to strategise and achieve these industry targets
Forums: SLASSCOM operates through sub-groups called ‘forums and accelerators’ that work across the following impact areas: Global Trade & Investment, Building Capacity, Technology Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Quality, Regional Development, Women Technopreneurs, Business Process Management (BPM), People Development and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). It also has three centres of excellence: the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, and the Product & Platform Council.
In 2021, SLASSCOM launched two essential initiatives. The first was the SLASSCOM Foundation, with a vision to foster an environmentally and economically sustainable futureready industry, positioning itself as a green IT & BPM destination. The second initiative was the launch of the SLASSCOM Academy, which seeks to provide world-class learning experiences through partnerships with global and local organisations. These partnerships aim to cater to diverse skilling demands within the industry, ensuring a competent workforce.
Key initiatives: Within the forums, SLASSCOM supports a range of initiatives.
• Marketing and demand generation: The association plays a vital role in enabling market access and offering support to companies as they pursue their expansion efforts. In collaboration with EDB, BOI, ICTA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Commerce, SLASSCOM promotes the Sri Lankan knowledge and innovation sector under the brand of Island of Ingenuity (www. islandofingenuity.com).
• The capacity and skills development initiatives aim to enhance the talent pool and improve skills through SLASSCOM Academy and other initiatives. Regional development efforts concentrate on establishing IT hubs across different regions of Sri Lanka. The business process management initiative focuses on building industry capacity and visibility. The entrepreneurship initiative seeks to ignite the growth of Sri Lanka’s next unicorn, while TechKids aims to inspire and nurture future tech leaders.
• Building industry capability: The technology initiative enables talent by providing insights into the latest technology trends. Quality initiatives aim to embed quality practices within talent and organisations. The innovation initiative harnesses Sri Lanka’s ingenuity to drive forward-thinking solutions, and the human resources initiative promotes world-class people practices within the industry.
• Compensation and Benefits Report provides insights into industry remuneration
• National Ingenuity Awards recognizes innovative achievements in the sector, with the most recent one held on 16th June, marking its fifth consecutive year.
