Digital Economy Ministry and BCS Sri Lanka Section collaborate to drive national digitisation efforts

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratna addresses the media briefing along with officials of the Ministry and the BCS the Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka Section

In a significant move to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, Digital Economy Ministry and BCS the Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka Section jointly announced an expanded partnership to support national digitisation initiatives and empower the country’s ICT industry.

At a recent joint press briefing, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratna, acknowledged the long-standing contribution of the BCS Sri Lanka Section to the country’s ICT ecosystem and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with professional bodies to drive innovation and inclusion.

“Collaboration with professional entities like BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka Section strengthens the Government programs to empower the Sri Lankan economy through Digitisation and empowering the ICT industry,” stated the Deputy Minister.

He emphasised the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand digital access and services, including flagship initiatives such as GovPay, which has brought digital payment services to broader sections of society. The Ministry is also launching targeted programs to improve digital infrastructure in underserved regions—particularly rural schools and areas with minimal 4G connectivity—ensuring equitable access to the benefits of the digital economy.

The BCS Sri Lanka Section, which has been a pillar of the nation’s IT landscape since its establishment in 1996, continues to make impactful contributions through its extensive membership of over 3,000 professionals. These include students, Associate Members (AMBCS), Members (MBCS), Chartered IT Professionals (CITP), and Fellows (FBCS).

BCS, the Charted Institute for IT Sri Lanka section Chairman Vajeendra S. Kandegamage announced the 2025/2026 event calendar while making the remark, “BCS the Charted Institute of IT Sri Lanka section had been working closely with the Government and the peers in the ICT Industry taking every step to ‘Make IT good for society’. This year too we have lined up many events including representing Sri Lanka in global forums, to ensure our activities are making the right impact.”

This year, the BCS Sri Lanka Section has lined up several landmark events, including the AI and Data Analytics Summit with AI HackFest, Women in IT empowerment programs, and Early Career Executive initiatives, alongside wellness-focused events for the tech community.

The highlight of the annual calendar is the National ICT Awards – NBQSA, which celebrates its 27th edition this year. As the premier recognition program for innovation and product excellence in the ICT sector, NBQSA invites tertiary students and industry commercial organisations to compete across more than 35 categories. The rigorous six-month long evaluation programme culminates in a prestigious awards ceremony, with winners gaining the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards, UN’s World Summit Awards and Taiwan’s InnoServe Awards.

The project head for this year’s National ICT awards Isuru Sirinimal announced the application calling of this year’s National ICT Awards NBQSA- 2025 and invited Tertiary students and Industry professionals to join and take this opportunity to showcase your products and innovations and get recognised nationally and internationally.

The other project heads, Rajeeva George heading the AI and Data Analytics Summit and Certificate of ICT Product Quality Ratings Program, Prof. Anuradha Jayakodi heading the Early carrier executives’ program and J.V. Kuganathan heading the industry wellness and mindfulness program.

Ruwan Amarasekara announced the formation of the National ICT Awards Trust, a program to uplift the National ICT Awards and include other professional bodies and the Government into the NBQSA management board. This Trust would be facilitating the NBQSA and other Industry development programs in the future.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Weeraratna acknowledged the vital role of BCS in nurturing ICT excellence and shaping national digital strategies. He confirmed that the collaboration between the Ministry and BCS will deepen further, with a shared goal of enhancing capacity-building, policymaking, and technical advisory services for government-led digital programs.

As Sri Lanka accelerates its transition to a knowledge-based digital economy, this partnership between the public sector and professional institutions like BCS is poised to be a key driver of inclusive, sustainable growth.

Visa Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives Avanthi Colambage took part in the briefing as Visa came onboard as the Strategic Partner for BCS events who addressed the gathering followed by Country Manager for Velou Ravi Kamalendiran joining as the sponsor for the AI HackFest.