The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, the Sri Lanka IT Professionals' Association in Dubai, and Trainocate Gulf organized a business networking session for Sri Lankan IT companies at the Expand North Star and GITEX 2023 at the Millennium Plaza Downtown on 17 October. The event featured the active participation of both Sri Lankan and UAE IT professionals including Injazat, Seven seas, Trainocate, Softlogic, Mindware G42 Cloud, MDS, Parallax , Orel IT etc. and 16 years old two future IT Professionals from Sri Lanka.
Delivering opening remarks, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera emphasized the significance of technology and innovation in the modern, globally connected world and highlighted the importance of the IT BPO sector to Sri Lanka, noting that the Sri Lankan Government aims to achieve the milestone of 5 billion USD worth of IT BPO exports by 2030, while simultaneously creating 200,000 Sri Lankan IT professionals.
The State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, who graced the occasion shared his insights into Sri Lanka's IT sector and highlighted the remarkable progress the sector has achieved under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramasinghe. He emphasized the need to attract both direct and indirect investments to Sri Lanka, aligning with the President's vision of establishing a knowledge-based economy in the country.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to UAE Udaya Indrarathna shed light on the UAE perspective of the IT sector, underscoring the significant role played by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in advancing the industry. He highlighted the embassy's collaboration with the consulate general to establish clusters aimed at promoting key sectors of Sri Lanka in the UAE.
The audience was captivated by the fascinating presentation delivered by CEO of hSenid Software Dinesh Saparamadu who shed light on the immense potential within Sri Lanka's IT landscape and outlined the future goals of the IT sector in the country, emphasizing the significance of the UAE market for Sri Lanka.
Managing Director at Trainocate Zafarullah Hasim emphasized the contribution made by Trinocate in organizing the Sri Lanka participation at the Expand North Star UAE. Representing Injazat Roland Powell provided a perspective by sharing success stories from the UAE and the opportunities for international collaboration.
The event was further enriched by the active support of the Sri Lankan Information Technology Professional Association (SLITPA) Dubai, which worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the evening. President of SLITPA Kuminda Liyanage stated that the association is committed and proud to be associated with the Consulate General and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the UAE in promoting the Sri Lanka IT industry in the UAE and wider Middle East.
The First Secretary Dinithi Weerasena delivering the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all participants, partners, and attendees who contributed to the success of the event.
Participation in these events allowed Sri Lankan companies to gain exposure to a vast international audience, including potential investors, partners, and customers. GITEX and North Star attract a diverse range of investors seeking promising technological ventures. Sri Lanka's participation in these events enhances its visibility and attractiveness as an investment destination, opening doors to potential funding and business opportunities for local IT companies and startups.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Dubai & Northern Emirates
24 October 2023
