Sri Lanka witnessed a momentous occasion as the Institute of Analytics UK was officially launched in a grand ceremony held at Courtyard by Marriot, Colombo City Center on 5^th of June evening. The event marked a significant milestone in the country's journey towards harnessing the power of data analytics to drive innovation, growth, and societal progress.

Imperial College of Business Studies, one of the robust higher education institutions in the higher education domain in Sri Lanka having its undergraduate and postgraduate campuses in both Colombo and Kandy, with their strong established connections with IOA and their partners in India, supported with the initial inauguration of IOA-UK, Sri Lanka Launch. The inauguration ceremony brought together distinguished guests, Senior members from State and non-state universities, Senior leadership of both local and international professional bodies offering qualifications in Sri Lanka, Heads of private higher education institutions, academics, and senior government officials, all eager to witness the birth of a new era in Sri Lanka's analytics landscape. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement as the institute's vision and commitment to excellence were unveiled. The Chief Guest of the event was Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Chairman of UGC Sri Lanka.

The Institute of Analytics UK aims to establish itself as a center of excellence, providing world-class education, research, and industry collaboration opportunities in the field of analytics. With a focus on cultivating talent and promoting data-driven decision-making, the institute is poised to make a lasting impact on Sri Lanka's economic and social development.

During the main presentation, Dr. Clair Walsh Director of Education, Institute of Analytics, the visionary behind the institute, expressed her gratitude to the University academics, Professional bodies and partners, and the Imperial College for their unwavering support in making this ambitious endeavor a reality. Dr Clare emphasized the need to nurture a thriving analytics ecosystem in Sri Lanka and highlighted the institute's dedication to inclusivity and diversity.

The launch event featured a speech by Ms. Lara Millmow, Head of Membership IOA, and brought to light the different ways in which IOA can support the field of analytics, shedding light on the transformative power of data-driven insights. These presentations explored various applications of analytics in different sectors, including business, accounting and finance, governance, and academia. The audience was captivated by the remarkable stories of how analytics has revolutionized decision-making processes worldwide. Speakers shared their research findings and ongoing projects, showcasing their expertise in cutting-edge analytics techniques. Attendees were impressed by the depth of knowledge and innovation demonstrated, which further solidified the institute's reputation as a hub for advanced analytics research.

One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the two partners who were recognized from Sri Lanka, University of Moratuwa for their Bachelor of Business Science (Business Analytics) degree programme, and Imperial College of Business Studies, on their BA Hons. (International Business and Finance) degree programme affiliated with the University of West of Scotland.  These programmes and future programmes , ranging from foundational concepts to specialized domains, will provide students with hands-on experience and practical exposure to real-world challenges.

The launch event also served as a platform for networking and collaboration. University academia and potential partners and representatives from academic institutions had the opportunity to engage with the institute's leadership team, fostering partnerships that will drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth.

The launch of the Institute of Analytics UK in Sri Lanka signaled the country's commitment to becoming a regional hub for analytics excellence. The event showcased the vast potential that lies within data analytics, promising a brighter future for Sri Lanka's businesses, government agencies, and society. The Institute of Analytics UK's launch in Sri Lanka represents a transformative step towards unlocking the power of data-driven decision-making. As the nation embraces the opportunities presented by analytics, it will undoubtedly pave the way for innovation, growth, and a more prosperous future.