As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in the ICT sector, the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) recently met with H.E. Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Devika Lal, First Secretary (Economic & Commercial), for a focused discussion on deepening collaboration between Sri Lanka and India’s thriving technology ecosystems.
The meeting explored a range of opportunities for industry-led partnerships in areas such as digital trade, skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Both parties recognized the immense potential for cross-border cooperation, with SLASSCOM reaffirming its commitment to fostering initiatives that enable mutual growth, innovation, and technological advancement across the region.
“We appreciated the opportunity to engage in an open and productive dialogue with the High Commissioner and his team,” said the SLASSCOM Chairman Nishan Mendis . “We are particularly grateful to the Indian High Commission for their continued support in fostering closer ties between our two industries. As an industry body, our goal is to build strong, forward-looking partnerships that unlock value for our ecosystem and contribute to sustainable regional development.”
This engagement builds on recent momentum in SLASSCOM’s efforts to enhance ties with India’s tech sector. In February, a SLASSCOM delegation participated in the prestigious NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF), India’s flagship event for the IT and business services industry. During the visit, SLASSCOM also held high-level discussions with the NASSCOM leadership team to explore avenues for collaboration across key areas including talent development, innovation ecosystems, and startup engagement.
These interactions mark a renewed commitment by both organizations to work together more closely and create meaningful industry linkages. Several new collaborative initiatives are currently being explored, with a focus on practical outcomes and mutual benefit.
High Commissioner Jha welcomed SLASSCOM’s proactive approach to engagement and underscored the value of industry-led dialogue in shaping the future of the digital economy. He noted that collaboration in the ICT sector can serve as a powerful driver of inclusive growth and innovation for the entire region.
Importantly, the dialogue between SLASSCOM and the Indian High Commission — as well as its growing engagement with NASSCOM — is grounded in a shared commitment to economic and technological cooperation, without being tied to political affiliations. The emphasis remains firmly on building trusted, mutually beneficial relationships between industries, professionals, and institutions in both countries.
SLASSCOM continues to position itself as a regional connector, enabling Sri Lanka’s tech industry to access global networks, share best practices, and co-create solutions with international partners. With several initiatives in the pipeline, the association looks forward to deepening its collaboration with counterparts in India and other regional markets in the months ahead.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to maintain open lines of communication and pursue tangible next steps that will further enhance cooperation and innovation in the ICT sector.
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SLASSCOM Team meeting with the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka
