SLASSCOM launches Global Industry Ambassador Program

Chairman Nishan Mendis Mendis (left) with the six Industry Ambassadors 

• Initiative aimed at championing Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM excellence worldwide

The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has launched its Industry Ambassador Program, a pioneering initiative designed to build strategic bridges with global markets and open new avenues for Sri Lanka’s thriving knowledge and innovation sector.

This program appointed, as the first cohort, six distinguished professionals as official Industry Ambassadors to represent Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM excellence across key global markets that include the US, UK, Australia, and the UAE.

The initiative is part of SLASSCOM’s broader vision to position Sri Lanka as a leading destination for digital innovation and high-value services, leveraging its deep pool of world-class talent, entrepreneurial energy, and growing startup ecosystem.

SLASSCOM Chairman Nishan Mendis said: “AT Kearney once said that Sri Lanka is a ‘hidden gem,’ but it’s high time that we no longer remain hidden, but showcase our potential and amplify our voice globally. Until the Government can fully commit fiscal resources towards large-scale branding and international analyst coverage to tell our story, we’re taking the message to the world —with some of our industry’s most respected professionals leading the way.” 

 “Our Ambassadors—accomplished professionals living abroad—will represent us in key markets. They will carry forward the story of Sri Lanka’s Island of Ingenuity—championing our creativity, talent, and resilience—while also serving as vital conduits for market intelligence, helping our companies align with global trends and opportunities. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our Ambassadors, whose deep passion for giving back to their motherland is truly inspiring. They are not only our storytellers but also catalysts for change in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future,” he added.

The appointed Ambassadors will advocate for Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM capabilities and innovation potential within their respective markets and act as key connectors, engaging with industry leaders, clients, and influencers to unlock new business opportunities while strengthening the country’s international presence. Additionally, they will provide valuable market intelligence to SLASSCOM on emerging technologies and shifting customer expectations. This will empower local industry players to align their offerings with evolving global demands and remain competitive. SLASSCOM also aims to link them with National Ambassadors to jointly promote the country’s innovation sector worldwide.

SLASSCOM’s newly appointed Industry Ambassadors reflect the depth and diversity of Sri Lanka’s global tech diaspora, each bringing unique expertise and strong regional networks to their roles. 

Representing SLASSCOM in the UK and UAE, Eric Selvadurai is a seasoned professional in IT and BPM, currently Chairman of Veracity Group and Managing Partner at Aistra, with a leadership history at WNS Global Services and Hays plc. In the USA, SLASSCOM is represented by Aruna Abeyakoon, Senior Director at Scientific Games and an active member of the Sri Lanka-America Chamber of Commerce. He is joined by Roshan Paiva of Atlassian, a software engineering expert with past roles at DocuSign and Cirrent, and Chandika Mendis, a veteran tech adviser specialising in generative Artifical Intelligence (AI) and digital twins, and former EVP at Virtusa. In Australia, SLASSCOM’s representation includes Peter Wijeyaratne, a tech industry leader with over 20 years of cross-sector experience, and Shehan Wijetilaka, a digital transformation strategist whose career spans IBM, Telstra, and Virtusa, also serving on Sri Lanka’s Personal Data Protection Authority.

The launch of the SLASSCOM Industry Ambassador Program is just the beginning of an ambitious journey—one powered by purpose, collaboration, and an unshakable belief in the ingenuity of Sri Lankan talent.