SAP SE (NYSE: SAP),the global enterprise software leader, announced the launchof theSri Lanka SAP User Group (SLSUG), with a mission to provide its members with the necessary resources and tools to maximize return on their SAP investment, thus strengthening the country’s SAP community.

An SAP User Group is a not-for-profit, independent industry association that provides information, access and advocacy for SAP customers and professionals. Made up of SAP customers and partners, it is dedicated to educating members, facilitating customer involvement, and influencing SAP's products and strategy. While closely collaborating with SAP, the SAP User Groups represent the opinions and interests of local businesses and help SAP to move a step closer to truly understanding the needs and requirements of customers.User groups bring two main advantages: exchange of knowledge as well as experience and exertion of influence.

Deb Deep Sengupta, President and Managing Director, SAP Indian Subcontinent said, “Sri Lanka is a priority market for SAP and by supporting the establishment of the SLSUG, we are aiming to provide a platform to customers to effectively engage with each other as well as with SAP, and enhance overall value realization. Customers are at our core and in this age of digital transformation, we are committed to enable Sri Lankan businesses to run live with SAP.”

Ramesh Shanmuganathan, Chairperson, SLSUG said, “As SLSUG, we are a group of independent SAP users made up of people and organizations that wish to connect,collaborate and co-innovate with the singular objective of getting the best out of the products and services of SAP,one of the world's largest business software companies.As a fully independent group, our goal is to enhance the overall SAP product experience for every Sri Lankan customer and impact the product portfolio development to address our needs as well. We are very excited about this prospect and it is a tremendous opportunity to share experiences, knowledge, ideas and best practices amongst ourselves as well as with SAP.”

The exchange between the user groups and SAP occurs within various initiatives and programmes such as 360° Feedback by SAP Customers, Upgrade Programmes, Benchmarking and sharing of Best Practices, Influence Programs and Voice of the Customer.

The Board Members of SLSUG, whichinclude industry leaders from eminent Sri Lankan businesses, are as follows:
• Chairperson: Ramesh Shanmuganathan - John Keels Holdings
• Deputy Chairperson: Jehan Muthalip - MAS Holdings
• Director - Finance: Kasturi Chellaraja - Hemas Holdings
• Director - Strategic Alliances: Anthony Rodrigo - Dialog Telecom
• Director - Special Interest Groups: Chandima Perera - Hemas Holdings
• Director - Events and Membership: Arjuna Jayasinghe – Midas Group
• Director - Marketing and Public Relations: Saman Perera - Capital Maharaja Group
• Director - SAP Leadership: Sunil Kharbanda – SAP Indian Subcontinent
• Director- SAP UG Representative: Mukesh Gupta – SAP India

SAP has User Groups worldwide operating as independent bodies. They include ASUG (Americas’ SAP User Group), INDUS (India User Group of SAP), SAUG(SAP Australian User Group) and DSAG (German – Speaking SAP User Group).