SLASSCOM marks year of purpose and progress under leadership of Nishan Mendis

• Journey of rebuilding, repositioning and reigniting nation’s digital and knowledge economy

 As the curtains fall on an eventful year for the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), outgoing Chairman Nishan Mendis reflected on the past 12 months with a powerful blend of introspection, pride, and optimism. Against a backdrop of national recovery and global challenges, the SLASSCOM’s story this year was one of recalibration, resilience, results, and impact.

Rebuilding from crisis

Mendis acknowledged the daunting context in which the year began: a nation emerging from an economic crisis, shaken investor confidence, political uncertainty, and critical mid-tier brain drain. Yet, instead of retreating into caution, the SLASSCOM embraced the turbulence as an opportunity to lead with purpose.

“Our goal wasn’t just to survive,” Mendis stated. “It was to rebuild belief in what Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation industry could become—globally competitive, future-focused, and resilient.”

At the heart of this vision was a bold, unifying aspiration: to grow Sri Lanka’s tech industry into a $ 5 billion export powerhouse by 2030. Every initiative this year, Mendis emphasised, was anchored to this aspiration.

A new playbook for policy engagement

In a politically charged election year, the SLASSCOM positioned itself as a non-partisan, credible voice for the industry. A strategic policy framework, shaped by CEO consultations, was presented to all Presidential candidates, outlining key reforms for a ‘Digital Sri Lanka 2030.’

Following the elections, the SLASSCOM acted swiftly to reengage with policymakers and other stakeholders, reinforcing relationships and gaining trust. A major policy victory was secured when the Government reduced the proposed corporate tax rate from 30% to 15% for the services sector—boosting investor confidence and affirming the tech industry’s national importance.

Nation-building as a shared responsibility

Far from limiting itself to industry matters, the SLASSCOM took an active role in national transformation. Board members participated in a wide array of national committees and task forces, reinforcing that a stronger Sri Lanka uplifts the industry—and vice versa.

“Nation building isn’t just the Government’s job,” Mendis declared. “It’s our shared responsibility. When Sri Lanka needed us the most, our industry showed up—with vision, unity, and most importantly, with results and impact.”

Restoring Sri Lanka’s global reputation

Understanding that perception shapes opportunity, the SLASSCOM dedicated itself to positioning Sri Lanka on the global stage. Through its Industry Ambassador Program, six Sri Lankan subject-matter experts living overseas were appointed to promote Sri Lanka’s tech sector in key markets.

Further support came through the ‘Global Referral Program’ and the ‘Empowering Global Growth’ playbook series—entry strategies for key markets.

A standout moment was the SLASSCOM’s participation at the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum in India. The visit solidified ties with India’s tech sector and opened doors for collaboration, including the potential extension of India’s FutureSkills Prime platform to Sri Lanka and positioning Sri Lanka as an ‘India+1’ destination.

Empowering talent in an AI-driven era

With mid-tier talent drained due to migration, the SLASSCOM launched a Middle Manager Development Program to fast-track leadership readiness. Beyond this, talent development spanned academia, grassroots, and national levels.

Key initiatives included:

• Academia Immersive Program: Placing university lecturers inside companies to bridge the academic-industry divide.
• Regional outreach: Hosting IT-BPM career exploration days with local regional universities.
• AI clubs in schools: Co-leading the national pilot in 100 schools.
• TechKids and Future Careers BRIDGE: Continuing as national platforms for career readiness.
• SLASSCOM Academy: Expanded its reach across industries, offering professional upskilling and leadership training.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a key focus throughout the year, with multiple high-impact roundtables organised to discuss AI’s implications for the industry.

Catalysing the ecosystem

Through curated summits and events, the SLASSCOM positioned itself as a thought leader. The AI Asia Summit attracted over 500 participants from many industries, while the People Summit tackled modern workforce dynamics. Summits on Quality and Process Excellence and Test Automation provided deep insights into emerging tech trends.

The SLASSCOM also invested in entrepreneurship. A visit to IITM Pravartak laid the groundwork for startup incubation support. The Xcellerate Accelerator successfully secured funding for several startups. The Startup Compass and National Ingenuity Awards (SNIA) further fostered innovation—culminating in a global win for a SNIA alumnus at the World Summit Awards.

Championing women in tech

The W-Tech agenda took bold strides this year. Starting from schools and universities through the STEM4HER program, the pipeline for women in tech was nurtured across all career stages. Initiatives like Hack Like a Girl, Fast Forward 4.0, and She Exports empowered women entrepreneurs and professionals.

The Women in Tech Conference returned with its third edition, focusing on inclusivity in emerging technologies and amplifying women’s voices in the innovation landscape.

Driving sustainability

The SLASSCOM continued to lead the industry’s sustainability journey, moving ESG from compliance to core strategy. With over 25 companies now reporting Tier 1 ESG standards, and 13 startups mentored on ESG, the seeds for long-term value creation were firmly planted. 

An ESG industry dashboard, CEO forums, and university outreach programs emphasised sustainability as a shared priority for the future.

Elevating the member experience

At its core, the SLASSCOM exists for its members. This year, engagement was high—through forums, consultations, and flagship community events.

The second Fit Hit wellness initiative and the return of the MegaMind Quiz Show helped strengthen bonds across the industry. The much-anticipated CEO Retreat and the annual Christmas Celebration reminded all that amidst goals and deadlines, community and connection matter most.

Raising the industry voice

A more structured communications strategy helped the SLASSCOM amplify its message and impact and scale campaigns. Partnerships with top media houses boosted reach.

The SLASSCOM’s presence at convocations and conferences ensured the next generation of talent could see the opportunity and purpose in joining the tech industry.

A year of shared purpose

As his concluding remarks, Mendis emphasised: “This wasn’t just a year of projects—it was a year driven by shared purpose.” He extended his heartfelt thanks to the SLASSCOM Board, General Council, Past Chairs, Corporate Office, volunteers, and industry partners for the unwavering support. 

He passes the baton with confidence to incoming Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne, affirming that: “The road to a $ 5 billion industry is not just an aspiration—it’s a mission. A mission that calls for bold thinking, sharper execution, and an unrelenting focus on impact. Together, let us build the future that we aspire to see.”