Govt. should exercise caution in opening door to Indian IT professionals: CSSL

At the media conference of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (from left): Publications Secretary Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, Treasurer Chrisantha Silva, CSSL President Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Vice President Yasas Abeywickrama and Student Counsellor 

Dr. Ajantha Atukorale

Sounding a note of caution, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), says the Government should discuss with all local industry stakeholders and exercise prudence in opening the door to Indian-based Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals in terms of the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). 

CEPA was a standard agreement complying with the WTO (World Trade Organization) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) for member countries, which has now morphed into the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).

At a recent media conference convened at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI), CSSL President Dr. Dayan Rajapakse warned that signing the proposed agreement without fully understanding its implications would have a detrimental effect on Sri Lanka’s national interests. Associated with him at the news briefing were CSSL Vice President Yasas Abeywickrama, Secretary Prabath Wickremaratne, Treasurer Chrisantha Silva, Assistant Secretary Damith Hettihewa, Assistant Treasurer Samantha Thelijjagoda, Student Counsellor Dr. Ajantha Atukorale and Publications Secretary Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy.

The Computer Society of Sri Lanka is the leading professional body representing the ICT sector in the country. It was established in 1976 with the key objective of promoting information and communication technology and professionalism among those engaged in this vital sphere, in addition to maintaining the highest professional standards amongst the ICT fraternity. The CSSL maintains a healthy rapport and works in close coordination with similar ICT bodies in Asian and European countries.

Elaborating on the current developments in the ICT sector, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse told the media conference, “Our Society is an independent professional body. We don’t have any political party affiliations either directly or indirectly. We are a neutral organisation representing local IT professionals. This media briefing was convened to express our views in the backdrop of ongoing preparations by the Sri Lankan Government to bring down ICT professionals from India.

“As a responsible body, we wholly subscribe to the position that the country should be developed on the basis of liberalised economic policies. It is not our intention to stand in the way of progress. We are in favour of liberalisation of markets, but it should be done for the development of the economy, the local IT industry and the professionals who contribute to this key segment. The dividends of such economic prosperity should benefit Sri Lanka and the people, not outside parties. 

“At present, there is no critical dearth of IT professionals in the country. The academic and professional qualifications, knowledge, experience, exposure and capabilities of Sri Lankan IT professionals are in no way second to India. Our innovative computer software solutions have already made a significant positive impact in the global market. The international community has acknowledged the fact that the services provided by our IT professionals are on par with benchmark quality standards. Therefore, we don’t see a necessity to bring down IT professionals on a blanket scale to work in Sri Lanka.

“However, there may be a limited need for such Indian expertise in certain specialised fields. What should be done under the current context is to seek their services on a limited basis for a specific time-frame so that Sri Lankans can make use of this opportunity to be trained and be adequately equipped to take over the jobs in time to come.”

Opening the door to Indian IT professionals on a minimum salary structure without a process of due diligence and evaluation will be inimical to the interests of Sri Lanka’s IT industry, the country and society at large, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse warned. He highlighted six critical factors that need immediate attention to ensure that there are no negative ramifications.

As Sri Lanka does not have an effective framework for the recognition of professionals, can it be ensured that properly qualified people would come with documented and verifiable qualifications and skills?

As India is a country with an unemployable population of more than 50 million (more than two-fold of Sri Lanka’s population), how can the Government assure that these persons will not freely flow into the country?

What is the mechanism in place in relevance to the immigration and work permit allocation process to ensure that migrant workers will return to India after their employment contracts are terminated?

Sri Lanka will be faced with the imminent danger of witnessing a further aggravation of brain-drain.

Sri Lankan software solutions have been accepted the world over. In the backdrop of Indian IT professionals being allowed to play a role here under the proposed agreement, is there a system in place to ensure that our position is not compromised?

After our IT students graduate from government and private universities, what are the job prospects they can look forward to when they have to compete with Indians in their own country?

We believe that these are valid concerns that need to be effectively addressed to preserve the present socio-economic status. As a way to further develop the industry and to ensure there are no negative ramifications, the Computer Society of Sri Lanka makes the following recommendations:

Seek the views and proposals of all industry stakeholders such as the relevant professional associations and organisations, evaluate the feedback and act with caution in signing this agreement.

The local company which wants such Indian staff should demonstrate that the required skills are not available locally to fill the void and that foreign expertise is required. Indian staff should be acquired by a time-bound contract and should not be given indefinite employment.

The Indian IT professionals should be granted permission to work in Sri Lanka only after they are assessed via an internationally recognised skills certification framework available with the CSSL which is the SFIA framework. This will ensure that only people with the right skills and capabilities are recruited.

A minimum annual salary should be defined for foreigners who seek employment in Sri Lanka to ensure that the status quo is not affected as a result of an impact on the employability of entry level local IT professionals.

Immigration controls should be strengthened and enhanced to keep track of professionals who enter Sri Lanka and ensure that they leave the country when their contract is over.

These recommendations have been made with the hope of converting this into a win-win situation. The Government should not rush into this agreement. There should be adequate time and space to study it in depth so that Sri Lanka could accrue benefits for the further development of the IT industry. CSSL welcomes a healthy dialogue and, as an independent, non-political body, they are willing to do their part to ensure that a positive outcome can be achieved for all stakeholders.