Moving up the value chain via export of knowledge services

From left: Accenture Senior Managing Director Anoop Sagoo, CodeGen International CEO Dr.Harsha Subasinghe, Sudath Perera Associates Managing Partner Sudath Perera, Hayleys BPO Managing Director Dr. Arul Sivagananathan and St. Anthony’s Industries Group Director Jeevan Gnanam

Technology-enabled knowledge and transactional services are making a huge impact in the global economy, Accenture Senior Managing Director Anoop Sagoo said.

“Looking at the world, it is all coming down to technology. Countries are investing heaps of money on technology. Being constantly innovative can keep companies going up the value chain. If you closely look at what’s happening around the world you will see the convergence in all sorts of different technology.”

In this context, he suggested that Sri Lanka needs to start branding itself in the international arena to have a more voice in the global space. “Differentiate positioning in Sri Lanka around technology, while encouraging the talent to remain in the country. Pilot something very unique and different from other countries,” he noted.

CodeGen International CEO Dr. Harsha Subasinghe said that he thoroughly believes that the education system in Sri Lanka needs to change dramatically. 

“I think the G.C.E. Advance Level Examination is not necessary.  Everything is virtual today and we can learn anything just by browsing the internet. I think G.C.E Ordinary Level kids are more innovative than those of G.C.E. Advanced Level, and a graduate is more innovative than a MBA holder.”

Noting that the younger generation is extremely important for the country’s development, he said that they have unbelievably ‘cool’ ideas. 

In order to retain these cool kids in the country, it is crucial to have the right infrastructure that excites them. Thus, creating cool people, places and retaining the talent is extremely important for the growth of the country’s economy. 

“Kids are not bothered about policies; they are more concerned about new technology, apps, places that they can proudly speak of. Sri Lanka has extremely talented people, it is just that we need to identify them and provide the right opportunity for them to execute their brilliant ideas and turn them into reality,” he pointed.

Sharing his transition story from an IT professional to an automobile manufacturer he said: “Well...I wanted to buy a fast car when I came here in Sri Lanka as I am enthusiastic about them, but it was way too expensive here in Sri Lanka. So I thought I would make it myself and that was the beginning of Sri Lanka’s supercar ‘Vega’.” 

He said that the super car ‘Vega’ is almost in completion stage and the company is now moving to venture into charging stations and cards — another innovation. 

He said successful people became rich because they were passionate about what they were doing. Their passion led them to money and fame. “I think innovation is passion, it is not the money. I have passion for cars, electronics and fast cars.”

Dr. Subasinghe pointed that Sri Lankans have a very slavish mentality. “If we work for one good company, that’s it. We are very scared of taking risks. Most of our businesses are still providing business to business (B2B) solutions and not business to consumer (B2C) solutions. This mindset needs to be changed in order to achieve higher targets.”

Sudath Perera Associates Managing Partner Sudath Perera said this is the best time to have a regulator simply to regulate the outsourcing industry and those who are engaged can address their issues. 

“We need to bring data security laws that are being discussed, but I think we need to expedite this. I believe it’s being drafted very soon, so that it will definitely help the LPOs. Data security was a challenge for me as a LPO company that is attracting high-end legal work. We need flexible immigration regulation in terms of bringing in delegates from overseas and only BOI registered companies get work visas for foreign experts. In my opinion we should create an outsourcing zone.” He said there were many opportunities for lawyers in LPOs, which has a lot of potential.  

St. Anthony’s Industries Group Director Jeevan Gnanam asserted that there is no better time to start up a business; all you need is an entrepreneurial mindset. “We need to look at larger opportunities in the region and an innovation which is truly Sri Lankan.”