The recent SLASSCOM BPM Summit served as a pivotal event, that shed light on the rapid growth and significance of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM sector and provided a crucial platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to engage in discussions about the future trajectory of the industry. The event was supported by Infomate Private Limited, Innodata Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, HCL Tech, and Orel IT.
Jehan Perinpanayagam, Chairman of SLASSCOM, underscored the vital role of the BPM sector in influencing Sri Lanka’s economy. Currently contributing $500 million to the nation’s export revenue, it employs over 30,000 skilled professionals, with 50% being women, showcasing a strong commitment to gender diversity. Jehan envisioned Sri Lanka as the next prime outsourcing destination, that would help address the escalating talent costs and high attrition rates faced by companies. He emphasized the need for multiple delivery centers and strategic positioning to establish Sri Lanka as an ideal partner.
Mohomed Sadikeen, VP and Country Head of Innodata, and BPM forum lead, emphasized on reasons for investing in Sri Lanka and strategies for capacity building within the IT/BPM industry, highlighting untapped potential within universities and among school leavers.
Mr. Hari Haran Padmanathan of Port City Colombo provided insights into its potential role in catalyzing the growth of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry. He showcased the city as a dynamic ecosystem fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic growth, making it an ideal location for companies seeking a second strategic base.
Jehan Perinpanayagam continued the momentum, addressing talent migration challenges and impact sourcing within the sector and on equal opportunities, establishing an ESG footprint, and robust employee policies as fundamental to sustained growth.
Ajith Perera of Innodata highlighted the crucial role of customer experience in the IT/BPM sector. Quality, innovation, integrity, a tech-first approach, and strong information security were identified as key factors for excellence. Dr. Sasadara Adikari of Orel IT focused on integrating AI and machine learning into BPM services.
A panel discussion followed featuring Shanaka Fernando (Board Director and General Manager – Human Resources · WNS), Arjuna Nanayakkara (Board Director SLASSCOM and CEO of GTN Technologies Sri Lanka & the Global Head of Shared Services of the GTN Group), Mohomed Sadikeen (VP & Country Head of Innodata), and Hari Haran Padmanathan of Port City Colombo. Moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, the panel explored critical topics such as anticipated technological shifts, talent development strategies, and the potential for scaling up the IT/BPM sector in Sri Lanka.
On the second day, Kishore Reddy from India’s CEO Forum discussed strategically positioning and branding Sri Lanka as a global IT/BPM destination, titled “Why Not Sri Lanka?”. He explored the collaborative role of government bodies, industry associations, and private enterprises in crafting a unified strategy.
Radhika Obeysekera, Director Investments Promotions and Marketing at CHEC Port City Colombo, showcased the transformative impact of Port City Colombo on Sri Lanka’s business dynamics and economy and its role as a catalyst for international business investments, providing a conducive environment for growth with state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. She highlighted the anticipated boost in employment opportunities, and it’s potential to becoming a driving force behind the nation’s prosperity.
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Mr. A.K. Mishra, COO of Innodata, presented a case study on Generation AI, while Tharindu Meepahagama, Vice President of Infrastructure at OREL IT, outlined infrastructure capabilities within the BPM sector in Sri Lanka, addressing key challenges and concerns.
The day concluded with a panel discussion with Sandra De Zoysa, Group Chief Customer Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC and first female Chairperson of SLASSCOM, Ashique Ali, Director – Talliance and Past Chair of SLASSCOM, and Prasanjith Wijayatilake, Executive Director – Investment Promotion at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. Moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, the panel discussed essential principles, qualities, and attributes crucial for the success and sustainability of the IT/BPM industry and provided a comparative analysis of Sri Lanka’s position in the global BPM landscape, and the nation’s standing relative to other BPM operations worldwide.
