Presidential Secretary hails Lanka’s ‘Outsourcing Destination of the Year’ win

Wednesday, 13 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lalith Weeratunga says achievement is a testament to Sri Lanka knowledge hub journey

Sri Lanka has been awarded the prestigious ‘Outsourcing Destination of the Year’ award by the National Outsourcing Association (NOA), UK at the award ceremony held in London recently. The award was ceremonially presented to Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President by a delegation led by SLASSCOM Chairman Madu Ratnayake and which included representatives of BOI and ICTA.

Speaking at the occasion Weeratunga stated, “ICT is being used by the Government as an instrument for rural empowerment and generating employment as well as foreign exchange. This award will bring enormous attention to our growing ICT and knowledge services industry among the discerning international clientele. It will help position us as a niche destination for IT and Knowledge Services. I congratulate all stakeholders including SLASSCOM, ICTA, BOI, EDB and others who have worked tirelessly over the years to make this award and recognition that comes with it a reality. The Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will continue to support the industry in its quest to become the leading foreign exchange earner by 2022.” Expressing views on Sri Lanka’s magnificent achievement, Madu Ratnayake stated, “We are delighted that Sri Lanka has been awarded the prestigious ‘Outsourcing Destination of the Year’ award by the National Outsourcing Association. Over the last five years, we have executed a focused market development strategy internationally, building on the strong relationships and foundation many pioneering companies have established in the international markets. SLASSCOM pitched for this award for the last three consecutive years and we are truly delighted to have won this year. This is a great testament of our industry potential and more specifically of the growing visibility of the Sri Lankan IT and Knowledge Services Industry. We wish to thank Mr. Weeratunga for his continued support as a champion and advisor of the industry.” Commenting on the securing of the award as the best outsourcing destination in the world, Information and Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) CEO Reshan Dewapura said: “This is yet another fruition of implementing the ‘Mahinda Chinthana Vision for the Future’ policy statement of the Government. This coincides with yet another concomitant achievement in the industry, that of IT/BPO industry reaching the 5th position as the best foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka. IT/BPO industry is also a great sector for generating employment.” Ranked among the Top 25 Global Outsourcing destinations by AT Kearney and among the Top 30 Outsourcing destinations by Gartner, Sri Lanka is highly conducive for global enterprises to enjoy premium access to a high quality talent pool whilst establishing high-in-demand niche global competency centres. Sri Lanka acts as an off-shore development centre and joint venture development centre to several Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders from the North American continent, Great Britain, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and Japan. SLASSCOM acts as a catalyst of growth of the Sri Lankan IT and BPO industry by facilitating trade and business, propagation of education and employment, encouragement of research and innovation, and by supporting the creation of a progressive national policy framework.