March, 7, 2025
The CSSL National CIO Forum 2025 marked a groundbreaking initiative that celebrated the contributions of Sri Lanka’s IT fraternity, showcasing their invaluable role in shaping the nation’s digital future. Held at Shangri-La Colombo, this prestigious event provided a platform for the country’s leading technology professionals to exchange insights, explore new opportunities, and recognize the remarkable visionaries driving enterprise-wide digital transformation. The event was organized by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) under the leadership of CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne, Project Chairs, Ruvendra Gunasena and Rasantha Hettithanthrige, whose efforts were instrumental in making this forum a resounding success.
This year's event brought together IT leaders, industry pioneers, and key stakeholders, united by a shared vision for Sri Lanka’s digital evolution. Discussions provided real-world insights from experts on IT leadership, workforce transformation, and cybersecurity. Thought-provoking focus groups offered deeper analysis into ERP modernization, cybersecurity, and AI-driven strategies, while exclusive fireside chats facilitated engaging conversations on leadership, resilience, and the future of digital innovation. A key moment of the forum was the recognition of the CSSL National CIO List 2024 inductees, who were honored for their contributions to business transformation and technological advancement.
CIOs as Catalysts for Digital Transformation and Key Takeaways from the Forum
The forum commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion on the evolving role of CIOs in digital transformation. The conversation emphasized the necessity for CIOs to align technology with business growth, act as catalysts for change, and lead digital-first strategies. It highlighted how CIOs must embrace strategic leadership, innovation, and resilience to keep their organizations competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.
The forum provided invaluable perspectives on the future of IT leadership and digital transformation. It emphasized how modern CIOs must integrate IT with business strategy, fostering innovation and operational resilience. Discussions also centered on the growing cyber threat landscape and the importance of adopting zero-trust architectures, regulatory compliance, and a security-first culture. Additionally, the event highlighted the pressing need for CIOs to drive workforce transformation through continuous learning and cross-functional upskilling, particularly in the wake of AI and automation reshaping industries.
Business systems modernization, AI-driven analytics, and enterprise-wide efficiency were identified as key priorities for maximizing business value. Predictive analytics and automation are becoming crucial tools for CIOs to gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. The forum reinforced the importance of future-proofing IT talent, ensuring that businesses remain agile and ready to embrace technological advancements.
Recognizing Visionary Leadership: The CSSL National CIO List 2024
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the CSSL National CIO List 2024, which honored six outstanding IT professionals for their visionary leadership and contributions to digital transformation. They have showcased exceptional talent and dedication, embodying the essence of Sri Lanka’s IT leadership. This recognition goes beyond an award—it stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in technology.
CSSL National CIO List 2024 - New Inductees
The Path Forward for CIOs and Digital Leadership
The CSSL National CIO Forum 2025 underscored the critical role of CIOs in steering digital transformation, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic change. A key takeaway was the urgent need for businesses to modernize their IT infrastructure, as reliance on legacy systems is becoming a major obstacle to competitiveness. Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of cross-industry partnerships in unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. Above all, the event reinforced that successful transformation begins with strong leadership at the top but thrives through a robust and adaptable organizational culture.
Commitment to a Digitally Empowered Sri Lanka
By acknowledging the achievements of these professionals, with the Premier partnership of Blueprint Technologies and Connex Information Technologies, the Gold partnership of Huawei Cloud, and the event partnership of Prime Events, CSSL will continue to inspire the next generation of IT leaders while reinforcing the importance of strong, forward-thinking digital leadership.
Image Caption : From Left K V Kuganathan, Sanjeewa Kodikara Chethana Kahandugoda, Heshan Karunaratne (President of CSSL), Rasantha Hettithanthrige (Project Chair CSSL National CIO List) Tharindra Kulasinghe, Sampath Perumbuli, and Chandrasiri Weerasekara.
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