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The apex body of the ICT industry, the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), is set to play a more influential role in the coming months, with the aim of further strengthening the ICT industry by launching a series of new programs which will reinforce the industry locally and enhance its regional and international links further.
FITIS which has earned an important reputation as an influential ICT related professional body has also brought on board Aruna Alwis, as its new Chief Executive Officer to drive it’s vision forward.
Over the next several months, FITIS will roll out a number of programs ranging from forums to trainings, competitions and exhibitions among others which aims at enhancing the skills and competencies of the country’s ICT professionals and the industry as a whole. Among the programs already in the pipeline are several industry related workshops and forums targeting CIOs and CXOs, numerous tech related training programs, national ICT expos such as INFOTEL, student related career development programs, ICT literary development programs for women, business matchmaking sessions, innovation competitions for ICT students, as well as incubator programs.
FITIS will also play a lead role at a regional level, as a member body representing the Association of APICTA (Asia Pacific ICT Alliance) and the ASOCIO (Asian Oceanian Computing Industry Organization), while also coordinating and organising Sri Lankan delegations to represent international ICT exhibitions and trade fairs.
Meanwhile, FITIS Chairman Dr. Kithsiri Manchanayake speaking on the appointment of Alwis as the appointment of the new CEO marks an exciting time of growth and development. “Aruna is the right leader for FITIS due to his extensive corporate relationships spanning Accounting, ICT, Education, Media and the Government. These ties together with his wide international exposure and business development skills, will no doubt help FITIS to strengthen its position both locally and internationally, develop strategic alliances and also foster the ICT industry in Sri Lanka,” Dr. Manchanayake said.
Alwis said he was excited to join FITIS, which, according to him, comes at a very critical time with the ICT industry developing in leaps and bounds. “I am looking forward to working with all the stakeholders to develop a portfolio of services that attracts , retains and involves members at all stages and supports the ICT and business community including the Government of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Prior to joining FITIS, Alwis also served as the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of CA Sri Lanka and Director Operations of CIMA Sri Lanka. Alwis received his Executive Education from INSEAD, IIM Bangalore, Open University UK, DCAAP Philippines. He is a professional member of the British Computer Society, UK and also holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Colombo and a MBA from Warnbourgh University, UK.
FITIS was set up in 1996 with the purpose of giving a much-needed focal point for the ICT industry in Sri Lanka. Today, FITIS is recognised as the apex body of the ICT sector in the country covering all major industry segments including Hardware, Software, Training and Education, Communication and Professional. FITIS has been actively contributing towards changing the landscape of the Sri Lankan ICT industry during last two decades and has been instrumental in launching many ‘firsts’ and ‘bests’ to its credit.
