The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has implemented a range of developmental and educational initiatives to promote the growth of Sri Lanka's IT/BPM industry and establish a $5 billion export-based ecosystem. One such initiative involves partnering with  universities across the country to promote career opportunities in the IT&BPM industry for graduates, enhance their employability, and strengthen Sri Lanka's IT talent pool by integrating the IOI's (Island of Ingenuity) value proposition, capabilities, and competencies.

SLASSCOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Faculty of Computing at the University of Sabaragamuwa in Sri Lanka (SUSL), as part of its efforts to strengthen the talent quotient for the country's IT/BPM industry. The MOU was signed by Ashique M. Ali – Chairman SLASSCOM and Senior Professor R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka, the Vice Chancellor of SUSL. The event was also attended by Chaminda de Silva – Executive Director, SLASSCOM, Dhammika Marasinghe – GC Member and Capacity Forum Head and Thathsara Kalubowila – Program Manager Capacity Forum along with Professor (Dr.) S. Vasanthapriyan and some of the key personnel of the University. The MOU establishes a collaborative framework between the two entities, that is expected to result in a more highly skilled and capable workforce that can effectively address the needs of the rapidly evolving IT/BPM industry.

Following the MOU signing, the students were addressed by the Chairman of SLASSCOM, Ashique Ali who covered a range of significant topics. Firstly, the current state of the IT/BPM industry was discussed, with insights provided on the trends, challenges, and opportunities. The Chairman explained SLASSCOM’s involvement in the industry, highlighting its role in promoting and supporting the sector's growth. Additionally, the issue of a skill gap in the job market was addressed, and the Chairman outlined how they would implement measures to enhance graduates changes of employability in the sector. Some of these initiatives and programs, were those such as the G2C (Graduate to Career) program, that have been launched by SLASSCOM to address this challenge. Designed to help graduates gain practical knowledge and experience to improve their employability the G2C program offers training, internships, and mentoring opportunities to graduates, which can equip them with the necessary skills and competencies to succeed in the IT/BPM industry.

This partnership with the University of Sabaragamuwa Sri Lanka is a timely and critical requirement for maintaining a robust academia-industry ecosystem to address current and future challenges in the IT/BPM sector. SLASSCOM will continue their commitment to extend their support in facilitating and producing employable students in both technical and professional skills to produce a ‘future ready workforce’ for the IT/BPM industry.

The SLASSCOM Team and the team of the Faculty of Computing- University of Sabaragamuwa at the event.

Image Caption : Ashique M. Ali – Chairman SLASSCOM and Senior Professor R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka, the Vice Chancellor of SUSL  signing the MOU