Colombo Business Analytics Forum to reimagine SL’s digital future

In an age where data is the backbone of innovation, the Colombo Business Analytics Forum (CBA Forum) stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most forward-thinking platforms for industry transformation. 

Organised by the Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, this annual event has become a meeting ground for tech-seeking organisations, tech solution providers, academic thought leaders and young professionals united by a common mission to harness the power of analytics for real-world impact.

Looking ahead, the much-anticipated CBA Forum 2025 is scheduled to take place in September 2025, promising to be even more impactful. With a renewed focus on emerging technologies, data strategy and real-world analytics success stories, the upcoming edition aims to deepen the engagement between technology providers and the organisations eager to embrace smart solutions.

In a country that is still laying the groundwork for digital transformation, platforms like the CBA Forum are not just relevant – they are necessary. By bringing together the right minds, the right tools and the right intentions, the CBA Forum continues to pave the way toward a smarter, more data-literate Sri Lanka.

Organised by the Decision Sciences Department at the Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, the forum is part of a larger commitment to support national development through data literacy and digital innovation. The department’s academic programmes, particularly the Bachelor of Business Science in Business Analytics, are designed to cultivate graduates who understand not only technical analytics but also its strategic application across industries.

Last held in August 2024 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo, CBA Forum 2024 marked a significant milestone. It welcomed over 80 professionals from leading organisations and more than 100 participants, including academics, researchers and emerging analysts. The forum offered a unique opportunity for companies in search of digital solutions to connect directly with those who develop and deliver cutting-edge analytics tools.

At the heart of the forum was a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry experts in analytics, digital transformation and AI strategy. The panel explored key trends in data adoption, shifting landscape of business intelligence and how Sri Lankan enterprises can better leverage analytics to gain a competitive advantage in both local and global markets.

Beyond discussion, the forum served as a collaborative hub, enabling networking between diverse industry sectors from banking and fintech to logistics, healthcare and IT services. It created space for real-time knowledge sharing, new partnerships and long-term conversations about digital maturity and data-driven decision-making in the Sri Lankan business context.