SLASSCOM’s inaugural BPM Summit outlines strategies to empower Sri Lanka as a global BPM destination

Panel discussion on the potential for scaling up the IT/BPM sector in Sri Lanka

Panel discussion on attributes crucial for the success and sustainability of the IT/BPM industry and Sri Lanka’s position in the global BPM landscape

CHEC Port City Colombo Director Investments Promotions and Marketing Radhika Obeysekera

Kishore Reddy from India’s CEO Forum

The recent SLASSCOM BPM Summit shed light on the rapid growth and significance of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM sector and provided a crucial platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to engage in discussions about the future trajectory of the industry. The event was supported by Infomate Ltd., Innodata Lanka Ltd, HCL Tech, and Orel IT.

SLASSCOM Chairman Jehan Perinpanayagam underscored the vital role of the BPM sector in influencing Sri Lanka’s economy. Currently contributing $500 million to the nation’s export revenue, it employs over 30,000 skilled professionals, with 50% being women. Jehan envisioned Sri Lanka as the next prime outsourcing destination that would help address the escalating talent costs and high attrition rates faced by companies and in being an ideal second delivery centre.

Innodata VP and Country Head, and BPM forum lead Mohomed Sadikeen emphasised the reasons for investing in Sri Lanka and the strategies for capacity building within the IT/BPM industry, highlighting untapped potential within universities and among school leavers.

Hari Haran Padmanathan of Port City Colombo provided insights into its potential role in catalysing the growth of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry. He showcased the city as a dynamic ecosystem fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic growth, making it an ideal location for companies seeking a second strategic base.

Jehan Perinpanayagam also addressed talent migration challenges and impact sourcing within the sector and on equal opportunities, establishing an ESG footprint, and robust employee policies as fundamental to sustained growth.

Ajith Perera of Innodata highlighted the crucial role of customer experience in the IT/BPM sector. Quality, innovation, integrity, a tech-first approach, and strong information security were identified as key factors for excellence. Dr. Sasadara Adikari of Orel IT focused on integrating AI and machine learning into BPM services.

A panel discussion followed featuring WNS Board Director and General Manager – Human Resources Shanaka Fernando, SLASSCOM Board Director and GTN Technologies Sri Lanka CEO and the GTN Group Global Head of Shared Services Arjuna Nanayakkara,  Innodata VP and Country Head Mohomed Sadikeen, and Hari Haran Padmanathan of Port City Colombo. Moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, it explored critical topics on anticipated technological shifts, talent development strategies, and the potential for scaling up the IT/BPM sector in Sri Lanka.

On the second day, Kishore Reddy from India’s CEO Forum discussed strategically positioning and branding Sri Lanka as a global IT/BPM destination, titled “Why Not Sri Lanka?”. He explored the collaborative role of Government bodies, industry associations, and private enterprises in crafting a unified strategy.

CHEC Port City Colombo Director Investments Promotions and Marketing Radhika Obeysekera showcased the transformative impact of Port City Colombo on Sri Lanka’s business dynamics and economy and its role as a catalyst for international business investments, providing a conducive environment for growth with state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technology and highlighted the anticipated boost in employment opportunities

Innodata COO A.K. Mishra, presented a case study on Generation AI, while OREL IT Vice President of Infrastructure Tharindu Meepahagama outlined infrastructure capabilities within the BPM sector in Sri Lanka, addressing key challenges and concerns.

The day concluded with a panel discussion with  Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Customer Officer and SLASSCOM first female Chairperson Sandra De Zoysa, Talliance Director and SLASSCOM Past Chair Ashique Ali and BOI Sri Lanka Executive Director - Investment Promotion Prasanjith Wijayatilake. Moderated by Jehan Perinpanayagam, the panel discussed qualities and attributes crucial for the success and sustainability of the IT/BPM industry and provided a comparative analysis of Sri Lanka›s position in the global BPM landscape.