CSSL holds National CIO Forum 2025 driving digital transformation

CSSL National CIO List 2024 new inductees – from left: K.V. Kuganathan, Sanjeewa Kodikara Chethana Kahandugoda, CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne, CSSL National CIO List Project Chair Rasantha Hettithanthrige, Tharindra Kulasinghe, Sampath Perumbuli, and Chandrasiri Weerasekara

From left: Moderator Blueprint Technologies Vice President Debajit Roy, CAL Group CEO Kanishke Mannakkara, Dialog Axiata Group CEO Supun Weerasinghe, CCSL Past President and Nimbus Cloud Lanka Managing Director Damith Hettihewa and Ernst & Young Principal Partner Shanaka De Silva

From left: Moderator Dayalan Nagaratnam, LECO IT DGM Chandrasiri Weerasekera, Lion Brewery CIO Sampath Perumbuli, CAL CIO Tharindra Kulasinghe, Janashakthi Group CIO K.V. Kuganathan, Hirdaramani Group CIO Sanjeewa Kodikara and LB Finance CIO Chethana Kahandugoda  

• Inducts National CIOs in 2024 list 

The CSSL National CIO Forum 2025 marked a ground-breaking initiative that celebrated the contributions of Sri Lanka’s IT fraternity, showcasing their invaluable role in shaping the nation’s digital future. 

Held at Shangri-La Colombo, this prestigious event provided a platform for the country’s leading technology professionals to exchange insights, explore new opportunities, and recognise the remarkable visionaries driving enterprise-wide digital transformation. The event was organised by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) under the leadership of CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne, Project Chairs Ruvendra Gunasena and Rasantha Hettithanthrige, whose efforts were instrumental in making this forum a resounding success.

This year’s event brought together IT leaders, industry pioneers, and key stakeholders, united by a shared vision for Sri Lanka’s digital evolution. Discussions provided real-world insights from experts on IT leadership, workforce transformation, and cyber security. Thought-provoking focus groups offered deeper analysis into ERP modernisation, cyber security, and AI-driven strategies, while exclusive fireside chats facilitated engaging conversations on leadership, resilience, and the future of digital innovation. A key moment of the forum was the recognition of the CSSL National CIO List 2024 inductees, who were honoured for their contributions to business transformation and technological advancement.

CIOs as catalysts for digital transformation and key takeaways from forum

The forum commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion on the evolving role of CIOs in digital transformation. The conversation emphasised the necessity for CIOs to align technology with business growth, act as catalysts for change, and lead digital-first strategies. It highlighted how CIOs must embrace strategic leadership, innovation, and resilience to keep their organisations competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.

The forum provided invaluable perspectives on the future of IT leadership and digital transformation. It emphasised how modern CIOs must integrate IT with business strategy, fostering innovation and operational resilience. Discussions also centred on the growing cyber threat landscape and the importance of adopting zero-trust architectures, regulatory compliance, and a security-first culture. Additionally, the event highlighted the pressing need for CIOs to drive workforce transformation through continuous learning and cross-functional up skilling, particularly in the wake of AI and automation reshaping industries.

Business systems modernisation, AI-driven analytics, and enterprise-wide efficiency were identified as key priorities for maximising business value. Predictive analytics and automation are becoming crucial tools for CIOs to gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. The forum reinforced the importance of future-proofing IT talent, ensuring that businesses remain agile and ready to embrace technological advancements.

Recognising visionary leadership: The CSSL National CIO List 2024

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the CSSL National CIO List 2024, which honoured six outstanding IT professionals for their visionary leadership and contributions to digital transformation. They have showcased exceptional talent and dedication, embodying the essence of Sri Lanka’s IT leadership. This recognition goes beyond an award—it stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in technology.

CSSL National CIO List 2024 – new inductees

• Chethana Kahandugoda – CIO – LB Finance PLC
• Sanjeewa Kodikara – CIO – Hirdaramani Group
• K. V. Kuganathan – Group CIO – Janashakthi Group of Companies
• Tharindra Kulasinghe – CIO – CAL Group (Capital Alliance)
• Sampath Perumbuli – CIO – Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC
• Chandrasiri Weerasekara – Deputy General Manager –IT (CIO) – LECO (Lanka Electricity Company)

The path forward for CIOs and digital leadership

The CSSL National CIO Forum 2025 underscored the critical role of CIOs in steering digital transformation, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic change. A key takeaway was the urgent need for businesses to modernise their IT infrastructure, as reliance on legacy systems is becoming a major obstacle to competitiveness.

 Industry leaders also emphasised the importance of cross-industry partnerships in unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. Above all, the event reinforced that successful transformation begins with strong leadership at the top but thrives through a robust and adaptable organisational culture.

Commitment to digitally empowered Sri Lanka

By acknowledging the achievements of these professionals, with the Premier partnership of Blueprint Technologies and Connex Information Technologies, the Gold partnership of Huawei Cloud, and the event partnership of Prime Events, CSSL will continue to inspire the next generation of IT leaders while reinforcing the importance of strong, forward-thinking digital leadership.

Pix by Upul Abayasekara