Business
EY GDS Sri Lanka and SLASSCOM join hands to bridge IT skill gap
EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) Sri Lanka, which is part of the global EY network of service delivery centers, has joined hands with Sri Lanka Association for Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor of the ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’. The object of the collaboration is to develop and nurture the next-generation talent pool for the Information Technology (IT) sector in the country, in line with the Ministry of Technology’s agenda in advancing the national digital economy.
While Sri Lanka’s IT sector creates approximately 20,000 job openings annually, the collective output of IT graduates from both the public and private universities in the country is estimated at around 10,000 individuals. These findings reveal the need for both quantitative and qualitative improvements in the workforce in order to meet the industry requirements. To help address this, EY GDS Sri Lanka has joined hands with SLASSCOM with the intent of tackling the prevailing knowledge gaps among IT-BPM industry professionals and the student community and strengthening the country’s IT ecosystem.
The ‘Emerging Tech Webinar Series’ is designed to upskill participants and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in their careers. The sessions are free of charge and will greatly benefit Sri Lanka’s diverse IT community, which includes students currently pursuing IT-related university programs, professionals working in various roles within the IT industry, as well as top-level executives with a keen interest in staying informed of the latest trends and developments in the field.
The webinars will feature presentations by a diverse group of industry professionals, both international and local, who will share their valuable insights and experiences across a wide range of topics. Every quarter, an esteemed speaker from EY GDS will lead a session, offering actionable insights into a key topic.
EY GDS Sri Lanka is committed to delivering industry-leading thought leadership and elevating the overall quality of insights. In these comprehensive sessions, speakers will delve into an array of highly dynamic topics, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, augmented reality, virtual reality, the Metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), DevOps, Agile methodologies, cloud migration strategies and sustainable technology. The aim is to provide participants with in-depth insights and acclimatize them with the latest tools and help them in enhancing their careers.
In a significant move for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, NKAR, a stalwart in the industry for over 45 years, has announced a partnership with Holiday Max, Australia’s largest tour operator. Based in Perth, Holiday Max has ventured into Sri Lanka for the first time, marking a promising expansion for both entities.
This collaboration aligns with NKAR’s strategic vision to enhance the country’s appeal to international travelers. Nilmin Nanayakkara, Chairman and Managing Director of NKAR says, “Our policy has always been to promote Sri Lanka to new markets by attracting new operators, rather than competing through price undercutting or making unrealistic promises.” This statement encapsulates NKAR’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth by focusing on quality over cost.
By prioritsing service excellence and maintaining high health and safety standards, NKAR aims to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors. This approach not only positions Sri Lanka as a premium destination but also attracts reputable operators like Holiday Max, who are drawn to the island’s unique experiences and NKAR’s dedication to quality service.
The partnership represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings to Australian travelers, potentially opening new avenues for tourism growth. As NKAR continues to innovate and adapt, this collaboration is set to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a sought-after travel destination, steering the industry away from aggressive price competition towards sustainable growth through authentic experiences.
By focusing on attracting new operators and markets, NKAR is paving the way for a revitalised tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, one that values quality, safety, and the unique charm of the island. NKAR is recognised as one of the top five destination management companies in Sri Lanka. The company recently won 3 major awards at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
LOLC Finance secured five Gold Awards and one Merit Award at the LankaPay Technovation Awards 2025, including the prestigious Overall Excellence in Digital Payments Gold Award for the sixth consecutive year.
The company dominated both bank and NBFI categories, winning Best Digital Strategy Gold Award, proving its superiority over traditional banks in digital finance.
Awards won were as follows.
Gold Awards:
Best Digital Payment Strategy (Banks & NBFI)
Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay (Banks & NBFI)
Excellence in Customer Convenience (NBFI)
Financial Inclusivity (NBFI)
Overall Excellence in Digital Payments (NBFI)
Merit Award: Most Popular Digital Payment Product (iPay)
CEO Krishan Thilakaratne emphasized digitalization as core to LOLC Finance’s operations, enabling seamless, 24/7 financial access through platforms like LOLC Real Time and iPay.
Chairman Conrad Dias highlighted the audited, performance-based recognition and iPay’s mission to solve real-world financial challenges with cutting-edge tech.
iPay & JustPay innovations were Recognized for leading digital payment adoption with 1M+ downloads, 1.8M monthly transactions, and 65% JustPay market share, featuring biometric security and AI fraud detection.
Financial Inclusivity was recognized for Bridging gaps via multi-lingual services, cashless processes, and rural outreach programs.
Customer Convenience was recognized for real-time solutions (SLIPS, CEFTS) eliminating branch visits for payments and transfers.
Tree House International, located in Dehiwala, has been recognised as the Most Evidence-Based Special Needs School of the Year at BWIO Awards. The only international school in Sri Lanka dedicated exclusively to children with special needs, 75% of its students relocate from abroad for its high-quality, result-driven education.
Last semester, 100% of students transitioned to mainstream or vocational training.
The school is led by Dr. Anton James, a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist with over 20 years of global experience.
His evidence-based approach earned the highest honour from the British Psychological Society, and he was elected a Chartered Scientist. Co-directed by Chrystal Honsaker, an expert with 15 years of international special needs experience, the school also offers an accredited British curriculum alternative to GCSEs.
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