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Strategic partnership to bridge gap between academic learning and industry demands

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Key dignitaries at the MOU signing

In a decisive move to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands, Exiga Pvt Ltd, ROBOXA and ICBT Campus entered into strategic partnerships that promise to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s technology talent pipeline.

The landmark MOU signing ceremony, held at the Kingsbury in Colombo recently drew industry heavyweights, academia and representatives from EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS). The event marked the formalization of two key agreements: a bilateral partnership between Exiga and ROBOXA, and a tripartite alliance involving Exiga, ROBOXA and ICBT Campus.

The partnerships aim to strengthen industry-academic collaboration while opening up high-value opportunities for students and young professionals to engage with global tech projects — especially those led by EY GDS in Sri Lanka.

“This partnership is a testament to our dedication to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands, Dr. A U L A Hilmy, Board of Director & Country Director, EXIGA, told The Island Financial Review; “By working closely with ROBOXA and ICBT Campus, we aim to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of the global technology landscape, particularly in supporting significant operations like EY GDS.”

Exiga’s UAE-based operations, represented by Ravi Golla, Managing Director of Exiga Software Services LLC, further reinforced the company’s international vision. “We believe that nurturing local talent for global impact is not just a responsibility, but a strategic imperative, he noted.

For ROBOXA, a dynamic player in AI and automation with operations across Singapore, Malaysia, India, Mexico and Sri Lanka, this partnership marks another milestone in their mission to fuel digital transformation through talent development.

Sudhakar Verma Yerramraju, CEO and Founder of ROBOXA and a seasoned serial entrepreneur emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance. “We are excited to join forces with Exiga and ICBT Campus to contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, he said. “Our collective expertise will empower young professionals and provide them with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge projects, further enhancing their capabilities.”

ICBT Campus, one of the country’s leading private higher education institutions, will play a key role in preparing students for industry engagement. With curricula designed to be responsive to tech industry trends, ICBT is positioning its students to directly benefit from the partnerships through internships, mentoring and hands-on project experience.

Kelum Wickramarachchi, presenting ICBT Campus, welcomed the initiative: “This MOU signifies a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience with leading industry players. We are committed to developing a curriculum that aligns with industry needs, and this collaboration will undoubtedly enhance the employability of our graduates.”

EY GDS Colombo, a major global delivery center, is set to be a primary beneficiary of the collaboration. With talent shortages posing a global challenge, the company views this initiative as an innovative solution to scaling its workforce while investing in local talent.

Ms. Menaka Pradeepan, Assistant Director at EY GDS Colombo, praised the model: “The support from Exiga and ROBOXA in providing specialized resources will be instrumental for our upcoming projects. This collaborative model is crucial for fostering a vibrant ecosystem where talent can flourish and contribute to global delivery services right here in Sri Lanka.”

By Ifham Nizam



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SriLankan Airlines records revenue increase with AI and ML-powered Revenue Management System

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SriLankan Airlines recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of its AI- and ML-powered Revenue Management System, a project that earned the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 by PROS and the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

SriLankan Airlines has recorded a revenue increase following the implementation of a next-generation, AI and Machine-Learning (ML) powered Origin and Destination (O&D) revenue management platform. The system enables dynamic pricing and smarter inventory optimisation, while delivering a superior passenger experience across all sales channels through real-time seat availability and predictive analytics.

Kshanaka Saparamadu, Head of Revenue Management at SriLankan Airlines, remarked, “Embracing the latest revenue management technology is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and digital transformation. With the introduction of PROS Revenue Management Advantage and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation, we are not only refining our current processes but also positioning ourselves for long-term success in modern airline retailing, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”

Chamara Perera, Group Head of IT at SriLankan Airlines, added, “This transition to a dynamic, integrated revenue management system reflects our strategic focus on remaining agile in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving airline industry. As the aviation sector undergoes rapid digital transformation, SriLankan Airlines is enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and meet the evolving demands of today’s travelers.”

Powered by PROS’ AI-driven Revenue Management Advantage (RMA) and Amadeus Revenue Availability and Active Valuation (RAAV), the platform leverages AI algorithms and ML models to improve alignment of capacity and demand, optimise premium seat allocation and respond swiftly to market shifts. These capabilities deliver unmatched agility and scalability, boost yield and position SriLankan Airlines at the forefront of digital transformation in aviation.

Industry benchmarks show that O&D-based revenue optimisation models typically deliver a 3%-5% increase in passenger revenue, underscoring the new revenue management system as a key driver, among other strategic factors, to the 13% growth recorded by SriLankan Airlines during the first three quarters of the 2025-2026 financial year.

This initiative has not only enhanced SriLankan Airlines’ agility, scalability, and competitiveness in a dynamic global aviation market, but also strengthened collaboration between pricing, demand and flight analyst teams, earning two awards in the process. It was recognised with the Growth Catalyst Award at the Outperformer Customer Awards 2025 in Las Vegas by PROS, as well as the Silver Award in the AI and Data Science category at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025 in Colombo by the Project Management Institute Sri Lanka Chapter.

As SriLankan Airlines continues its modernisation journey, the new integrated revenue management platform will significantly improve SriLankan Airlines’ global market position, its ability to attract and retain high value connecting passengers, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.(SriLankan Airlines)

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CCC delegation completes prestigious International Trade Facilitation Programme

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A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently completed a specialised residential training programme on International Trade Facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a premier institution established under India’s Ministry of Commerce and widely regarded as a leading centre of excellence in international trade education and research, the programme also included engagements with several of India’s most prominent trade and diplomacy institutions. These included the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the government authority responsible for shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade policy; the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, the country’s premier training institution for diplomats; the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex body representing India’s exporting community; and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), one of India’s most influential industry associations. Together, these engagements offered participants valuable insights into how policy, diplomacy, and industry interact in a robust manner to facilitate trade and economic progress.

Over nine days, participants explored key aspects of global commerce, including the international trading system, trade negotiations, economic intelligence, trade finance, and emerging issues such as AI, cyber risk, and digital transformation.

The programme offered valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of international trade and the systems that support it, while highlighting ways in which chambers of commerce can further leverage their existing role in supporting businesses navigate global markets, contributing to policy discussions, and strengthen the broader trade ecosystem.

The programme was designed and overseen by Dr. Rohit Mehtani, Dean at IIFT and a widely respected expert in international trade diplomacy and negotiations, whose academic work and advisory experience have contributed to international trade discourse.

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LOLC Life Assurance hosts MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 honouring top performers

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Chandana L. Aluthgama Executive Director/Principal Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd // Jayantha Kalinga Chief Operating Officer LOLC Life Assurance Ltd.

LOLC Life Assurance recently hosted its MDRT Summit & Recognition Night 2026 at the Hilton Colombo Residences, celebrating its 2025 MDRT qualifiers while aspiring the team to achieve even greater milestones in the year ahead. The event brought together senior leadership and top performing advisors in a distinguished forum focused on recognising performance excellence, sharing industry insights, and setting the strategic direction for continued success.

In 2025, the Company produced 89 MDRT qualifiers, including six Court of the Table (COT) and two Top of the Table (TOT) achievers, along with one Lifetime MDRT member. Representing Agency and Bancassurance channels, these professionals demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering responsible financial guidance and long-term protection solutions to individuals and families across Sri Lanka.

The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) is globally recognised as the benchmark of excellence in the life insurance and financial services profession. Membership is reserved for individuals who meet rigorous production targets and uphold strict ethical standards. Achieving MDRT status is widely regarded as a mark of credibility, trust, and advisory distinction.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance stated, “It is with great pride that we recognise our MDRT qualifiers for their dedication, discipline, and integrity, which set a benchmark of excellence for our advisory force and reflect the customer-first values that define LOLC Life Assurance. These achievers deserve recognition not only for meeting targets or selling policies, but also for safeguarding families, empowering individuals to build their legacies, and supporting financial independence, providing certainty and confidence in an unpredictable world. In acknowledging their exceptional contributions, I congratulate all our MDRT qualifiers and am confident they will continue to deliver meaningful financial protection while creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”

Further echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jayantha Kalinga, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Life Assurance added, “This Summit not only celebrates the outstanding performance of our MDRT achievers in 2025 but also acknowledges the resilience, consistency, and customer dedication demonstrated by our teams throughout the year. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen capabilities through structured development initiatives, advanced training tools, and robust operational support, empowering our advisors to serve clients with confidence and professionalism while further expanding our MDRT presence in the years ahead.”

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