We are grateful to everyone who joined us for the panel discussion “From Strategy to Results: The Execution Roadmap for Sri Lanka’s $5 Billion Digital Industry,” held on March 27 at the Vidyajyothi Prof. V. K. Samaranayake Auditorium, University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC).
The session brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to share insights on shaping Sri Lanka’s digital future. Our Chief Guest, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, delivered an inspiring address that set the tone for a powerful discussion on how Sri Lanka can build a thriving and sustainable digital economy.
Panelists
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Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya – Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy
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Mr. Sushena Ranatunga – Director/Co-founder, Creative Software
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Dr. Ajantha Athukorale – Director, UCSC & Former President, CSSL
Moderator:
- Dr. Nirmal De Silva – Entrepreneur, Corporate Trainer, and Public Speaker
Key Highlights and Takeaways
- Vision & Objectives – Building a $5 billion digital industry and accelerating progress to reach global standards.
- Sri Lanka’s IT Sector Growth – Encouraging collaboration among the government, industry, and academia to implement practical solutions.
- Challenges in Digital Transformation – Highlighting the need for agile procurement systems and better integration of digital solutions across society.
- Investment & Skill Development – Emphasizing the importance of attracting foreign investment and aligning education with industry needs.
- Innovation & Market Entry – Promoting startups and learning from successful international models.
- Inclusivity & Accessibility – Expanding digital access to rural communities and supporting small businesses.
- Collaborative Frameworks – Establishing national platforms for startups and promoting strong industry-academic partnerships.
- Future Aspirations – Committing to a sustainable digital economy and adapting strategies to evolving market needs.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our sincere appreciation to all the IT leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals who took part in this important conversation. Your ideas and contributions helped make this event a meaningful success.
We also thank ADA Derana and Daily FT for their media partnership and continued support in spreading awareness about this initiative.
Looking Ahead
This event marks just the beginning. We plan to make this an annual post-budget panel discussion, serving as a platform to review progress and discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s digital economy each year.
For those who missed the event, you can watch the full recording here: Watch the discussion
A special thank you once again to our panelists, moderator, and organizing team for their incredible efforts in making this event a success. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and initiatives from UCSC Alumni!
