At the forefront of driving the expansion and advancement of the IT/BPM industry nationwide, the SLASSCOM Regional Forum is positioned today as a pioneering force. With an unyielding commitment to both innovation and empowerment, the Forum emerges as a central and influential entity propelling the transformative evolution of the country’s IT/BPM landscape.
With a primary focus on youth empowerment, the forum strategically engages in initiatives aimed at enticing school leavers to join the IT/BPM sector and pursue studies in technology. By capturing the attention of young minds and showcasing opportunities within the tech sector, SLASSCOM’s Regional Forum is instrumental in fostering a tech-savvy and skilled workforce, significantly contributing to the overall progress of the IT/BPM sector in the country.
Haridhu Abeygoonaratne, Forum Head of SLASSCOM for the Regional Forum stated that they currently spearhead a spectrum of key activities. Outlining the programs designed and the speaking of the success they have reaped he said ‘the SLASSCOM Tech Kids Program was launched to serve as a foundational initiative, engaging young minds in technology early on to equip the future workforce with essential tech skills.
He further explained that the SLASSCOM Bridge Program has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry demands, offering specialized training opportunities for aspiring professionals keen to enter the industry. Actively engaging with universities in tier 2 and 3 provinces, SLASSCOM has contributed to curriculum modernization, ensuring education remains aligned with the swiftly evolving tech landscape. The forum further facilitates upskilling and reskilling through workshops and webinars, preparing undergraduates for the dynamic demands of the industry. They have organized IT/BPM career fairs in the northern and eastern regions of the country, connecting top tech companies with emerging talent, fostering awareness and creating career opportunities. Looking ahead, the forum has ambitious plans to extend the success of these career fair models to the southern region, with a specific focus on Ruhuna University. This forward-looking approach aims to further expand the positive impact of fostering a thriving IT/BPM ecosystem across key universities nationwide.
Furthermore, Haridhu emphasized that the Ingenuity Awards, initiated by the forum, serve as a platform to acknowledge and commend innovation. ‘It is designed to inspire individuals and companies, encouraging them to consistently challenge the limits of creativity and technological progress within their respective industries’ he noted. The accolades bestowed through this initiative has acted as a powerful impetus for ongoing innovation, fostering a culture where pushing the limits is not just encouraged but celebrated.
Haridhu, the SLASSCOM Regional Forum is also actively engaged in impactful collaborations and industry partnerships, partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Royal Norwegian Fund, thereby playing a pivotal role in assisting startups in going global and securing funding. These collaborations collectively contribute to the forum’s mission of creating a conducive environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development within the IT/BPM sector.
Haridhu expressed that the Forum envisions a continued role in fostering talent discovery and creating avenues for growth within the IT/BPM industry. Strategic initiatives, partnerships, and innovative programs are poised to further elevate the role of tier 2and 3 cities in the tech landscape, ensuring a robust and sustainable future for the IT/BPM sector across Sri Lanka.