FITIS expects digital-led economic growth

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) congratulates President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, newly elected Prime Minster Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government over their resounding victory at the recent general election. 

FITIS Chairman Abbas Kamrudeen went on to state, “I would like to commend the effective utilisation of technology during the lockdown period. On a long term point of view we would like to see implementation of a digital economy where effective use of technology within every element of the economy, be it public sector, private sector, exporters, SMEs or the general public which will result in a contribution of 7% growth to our GDP over a period of three years. Further, as an industry we request government support to help software product companies to support them becoming global players and contributing towards export revenue target of $ 3 billion.”

“As the Apex body in the ICT industry, we would look forward to successful tenure and working with the President’s vision of ‘A Technology Based Society (Smart Nation)’ to uplifting the standard of technology across the country and to make Sri Lanka the next technology hub.”

FITIS recognises key areas under his vision are making Sri Lanka a Global Innovation Hub, Citizen Centric Digital Government, Digitally Inclusive Sri Lanka and IT Entrepreneurship. 

Over the years FITIS has played a prominent role in the development of ICT and the expansion of Sri Lanka’s innovative capacity with the active support of the government and private sector institutions. Thus, FITIS hopes to work with the new government in order to help businesses and entrepreneurs grow exponentially in Sri Lanka, and globally with digital transformation.

FITIS further states, “It is indeed a new chapter for Sri Lanka, as we are at a juncture where technology must be adapted by the citizenry to ensure that Sri Lanka reaches its fullest potential. FITIS confirms its readiness and confidence to work together with the newly formed Government and to assist in reforms and policy of ICT to make Sri Lanka a top-notch IT destination.

FITIS was set up in 1996 with the purpose of giving a much-needed focal point for the ICT industry in Sri Lanka. FITIS works towards shaping and leading the strategic direction of the ICT industry in the country. FITIS member chapters include, Software Chapter, Hardware Chapter, Education and Training Chapter, Communication Chapter, Office Automation Chapter, Digital Services Chapter, Professional Chapter with a cumulative membership of over 200 active business firms in ICT industry, FITIS is committed to foster a healthy growth of the industry focusing on resolving policy issues, lobbying with state authorities, cooperation and alignment with regional and global industry bodies and promoting harmony and innovation within the ICT industry.