In a bid to harness the potential of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM talent and explore the vast opportunities the country has to offer, SLASSCOM recently conducted an orientation program for newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassadors and High Commissioners designated for overseas missions. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the session aimed to equip the diplomats with insights into the country’s tech prowess and its potential to attract foreign investments while facilitating market access for local companies.
Mr. Nishan Mendis, Vice Chairman of SLASSCOM and Consulting Leader at Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives, spearheaded the session alongside other notable figures such as Shehan Selvanayagam, Managing Director of Loops Digital, Anuradha Gajanayaka, CEO of Bistec Global, Ms. Chamindā de Silva, Executive Director of SLASSCOM, and Mrs. Lakshmi Jaliyagodage, Senior Program Manager Forums at SLASSCOM.
The program provided a platform for the diplomats to gain comprehensive insights into the country’s IT/BPM landscape, enabling them to effectively promote foreign investments and foster strategic partnerships with global stakeholders. By understanding the nuances of Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem, the ambassadors and high commissioners can serve as ambassadors of the country’s innovation and drive initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation in the digital domain.
The orientation session was tailored to meet the specific needs of the newly appointed diplomats, including Mr. U.L.M. Jauhar, who is slated to assume the role of High Commissioner to Canada, Mr. O.L. Ameerjawad, designated as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. M.J.P. Jayesinghe, set to be the Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Ms. T.P. Dharmasena, designated Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, Mr. K.T. Fonseka, appointed as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden, Ms. T.R.N. Gunasekara, set to serve as Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ms. E.A.S.W. Edirisinghe, designated as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr. W.A.U.P. Perera, appointed as Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ms. P.A.P. Ponnamperuma, designated as Ambassador to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Mr. P.R.S. Goonawardene, who will take on the role of High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives.
By empowering these diplomats with a deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s tech capabilities, SLASSCOM aims to facilitate their efforts in promoting the country’s interests on the global stage, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and economic growth and helping Sri Lanka to position itself as a hub of innovation and a desirable destination for foreign investment.