SL’s rising prominence as global innovation hub under fresh focus at NTLF 2025

SLASSCOM delegation with participating companies

The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM), in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government, made a powerful statement at NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) 2025 in Mumbai, India, taking centre stage to highlight Sri Lanka’s rising prominence as a global innovation hub, underscoring the nation’s strategic position as a preferred destination for IT and business process management (BPM) services.

Themed ‘Navigating Disruption in a Connected World’, NTLF 2025 brought together global tech leaders, policymakers and business innovators to explore the future of digital leadership and AI-driven economies. Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka’s delegation, led by Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, Chief Advisor to President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya and SLASSCOM Chairman Nishan Mendis, made a powerful impression, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the tech sector.

Dr. Wijayasuriya delivered a compelling country pitch that included a screening of Sri Lanka’s ‘Island of Ingenuity’, showcasing the nation’s unique value proposition in the global tech landscape, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s growing reputation as a hotbed for digital innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of technology.

Dr. Wijayasuriya also participated in a high-profile plenary fireside chat on ‘Can Government Leaders Turn AI Ambition into Economic Reality?’ His insights offered valuable perspectives on how governments can harness AI-driven transformation in the public sector, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced by smaller countries like Sri Lanka and strategies for overcoming them.

In a bid to bolster cross-border industry ties, SLASSCOM leveraged its presence at NTLF 2025 to foster stronger collaborations with India’s massive IT sector. A key discussion with NASSCOM President Rajesh Nambiar centred on Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey and its potential as a strategic expansion hub for Indian IT and BPM companies looking to broaden their footprint in the region.