The Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) successfully hosted the IT & BPM Exploration Day – Northern Region recentlyat the University of Vavuniya – Faculty of Technology, marking another milestone in its ongoing efforts to expand technology education and career awareness across the country.
Building on the success of the long-running IT & BPM Weeks initiative launched in 2014, this program continues to take knowledge, skills, and inspiration to regional communities through annual engagements. Following the Central Province event held earlier this year at the University of Peradeniya, the Northern Region edition brought together over 500 participants — including school students, parents, teachers, undergraduates, academics, startups, and entrepreneurs — for an immersive day of learning, innovation, and collaboration.
The event featured a diverse line-up of sessions tailored to various audiences, including SLASSCOM TechKids and Arduino workshops for junior students, school awareness sessions for senior students, and industry awareness, entrepreneurship, STEM for Her, soft skills, and mentoring sessions for youth and professionals. With the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the initiative provided participants with hands-on exposure to coding platforms, tech-based games, career guidance, and entrepreneurship development. EY GDS also joined as a key partner, offering valuable insights into career pathways and future opportunities within the global IT and BPM sectors.
Speaking about the event, Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM said, “Through this initiative, we are not only showcasing career opportunities in IT & BPM but also equipping students and entrepreneurs with the mindset and skills to innovate for the future.”
Adding further perspective, Sharanyan Sharma, Managing Director of Prime One Global, noted, “The IT & BPM Exploration Day at the University of Vavuniya was an inspiring and impactful initiative that successfully connected academic potential with real-world industry opportunities. The strong collaboration between SLASSCOM, the University of Vavuniya, and partners like EY GDS showcased how regional talent can play a vital role in shaping Sri Lanka’s digital future.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya also praised the initiative, stating, “while this era is focusing on empowerment of youths, the IT & BPM Exploration Day at the University of Vavuniya was a truly inspiring initiative that opened new pathways for our students to connect with real-world industry opportunities. The strong collaboration between SLASSCOM and the University of Vavuniya highlights the immense potential of regional talent to contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital future.”
Through initiatives like the IT & BPM Exploration Day, SLASSCOM continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s national talent pipeline by bridging the gap between education and industry. By taking technology-focused programs to regional universities and schools, SLASSCOM ensures that students from all parts of the country — not just major urban centers — gain access to valuable insights, mentorship, and exposure to real-world opportunities in IT, BPM, and emerging technologies, also fostering an innovation-driven mindset that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
By connecting academia, industry leaders, and development partners, SLASSCOM continues to build an inclusive ecosystem that empowers Sri Lanka’s youth to contribute to the nation’s transformation into a digitally advanced, globally competitive economy.
Photo caption – A token of appreciation being presented by SLASSCOM to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya in recognition of their collaboration in this initiative.
