BCS President and Group CEO visit Sri Lanka

Ray Long – President of British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT and Paul Fletcher – Group CEO of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, were recently in Colombo to attend the graduation ceremony. They took some time to talk to the media during their stay. They spoke about both their programmes and the community 
work they do.
According to the visiting officials, Sri Lanka is one of the most successful sections for BCS and is the single largest country in terms of membership. The BCS also provides a mentoring system in Sri Lanka where those in the professions help those still studying. Participation (by members) is an important aspect for the BCS, not merely the 
programs offered. 
Speaking about the programs and work they do, the officials explained that the BCS offers both technology training and IT project management (techniques to manage projects in both government and private interest areas). There is also some emphasis on developing soft skills in students, to help them make projects successful. BCS has a very active regional branch in Sri Lanka, with a total of about 6000 members in the country. It is committed to increasing training and development provided to the country.
Talking about the IT in UK and Sri Lanka, they highlighted that Sri Lanka has seen more women in IT Field when compared to the UK, because in Britain, only about 16-17 percent of women in IT Field but in Sri Lanka its about 20-30 percent. This problem can be traced back to school education. Britain has a problem getting women into technological positions. 
The officials from the BCS will meet the Minister for Technology and ICT during their visit to the country, and it is expected that they will discuss enhancing business with the Minister. They will also speak to other influential people in the field of business, on the same matter. They commended Wi-Fi access in the city and in the hotels, emphasizing how good the infrastructure was in the country. However, it is important to provide such broadband access to the rural areas too, to develop the capacity in those areas.