‘Sysco LABS Dialogues’ demonstrates power of PPP to position Sri Lanka as a Global ICT Hub

From left: Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, Shehani Seneviratne, Dr. Ajantha Athukorale, Tom Peck and Thushera Kawdawatta 

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka successfully hosted the inaugural ‘Sysco LABS Dialogues – Academia, Policy & Industry in Information and Communications Technology’ recently, highlighting how committed public–private partnerships serve as an essential catalyst for achieving Sri Lanka’s national digital economic goals.

Sysco Executive Vice President and Chief Information & Digital Officer Tom Peck gave the opening remarks at the strategic forum held at the Atrium, Cinnamon Grand. 

The evening drew senior representatives from the Export Development Board (EDB), The American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (AmCham), SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association of Software and Services Companies), FITIS (Federation of Information Technology Industry of Sri Lanka), CSSL (Computer Society of Sri Lanka), universities, and other corporates in the industry.

Speaking on the panel froman investor/corporate point of view, Tom Peck, Executive Vice President and Chief Information & Digital Officer of Sysco Corporation, shared why Sri Lanka remains a strategic ICT investment destination.

“We look for talent that can solve problems, think collaboratively, and drive real business outcomes. Sri Lanka offers that kind of talent and a supportive environment for innovation,” he said. 

“Over the past years, Sysco LABS has grown and expanded significantly in Sri Lanka, tackling complex business challenges and delivering innovative solutions across multiple technology domains. Sysco is leveraging these innovations to help reinvent global foodservice”

Tom highlighted that global capital seeks ecosystems where world-class talent is amplified by collaboration, and Sysco LABS’ success demonstrates how Sri Lanka’s unique partnership between policy, academia, and industry creates economic value, making it a compelling destination for continued investment.

Sharing his thoughts, Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, chairperson of LIRNEasia & Sarvodaya Fusion, emphasised that to attract serious investment, Sri Lanka must build foundational “digital rails,” starting with fast, transparent government procurement. 

“The most important thing is predictability and seamless interaction. The Prof. explained that this creates an essential platform for public–private partnerships to thrive, establishing a high-trust, low-friction environment where the private sector is empowered to lead and innovate. The government’s most critical role, he explained, is to enable an environment that allows collaboration to flourish and drives sustainable economic transformation.

SLASSCOM’s Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne outlined Sri Lanka’s impressive ICT export journey and key milestones, showcasing how the private sector can influence policy and talent development. 

The discussion also spotlighted academia’s transformative role. Dr. Ajantha Athukorale, Senior Lecturer at the University of Colombo School of Computing, described how universities are evolving from being suppliers of graduates to becoming dynamic partners.