Celebrating excellence in Sri Lankan IT community in UAE

SLITPA Executive Committee 2024-2025

SLITPA IT Awards Night Winners

Audience

• Sri Lankan Information Technology (IT) Professionals Association in the United Arab Emirates hosts AGM 2024 and Awards Night

The Sri Lankan Information Technology (IT) Professionals Association in the United Arab Emirates (SLITPA-UAE) proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Awards Night at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai on 6 July. The event marked a significant milestone in the association’s journey, celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE.

The prestigious event was graced by the presence of Sri Lanka Ambassador United Arab Emirates Udaya Indrarathna, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, and esteemed members of the Sri Lankan Professionals Association (SLPA) Member Associations.

Ambassador Udaya Indrarathna emphasised the importance of the IT sector in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE. “The contributions of Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE are a testament to the talent and dedication of our people. The SLITPA is playing a crucial role in fostering professional growth and enhancing our nation’s image abroad,” said Ambassador Indrarathna.

Consul General Alexi Gunasekera commended the association’s efforts to create a vibrant community of professionals. “SLITPA’s initiatives are instrumental in connecting and empowering Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE. Their continuous support and collaboration with various stakeholders reflect the strength and unity of our expatriate community,” stated Consul General Gunasekara. He further emphasised that the “Sri Lankan Government ICT strategy seeks focused growth in the IT sector in the Middle East. SLITPA is well-positioned to support the growth of the Sri Lankan IT industry’s contribution to the Middle East. Consul General invited the Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE to take a leading role in this growth.”

SLITPA President Kuminda Chandimath delivered the President’s Note, highlighting the association’s achievements over the past year. “Our journey has been remarkable, marked by successful initiatives such as webinars and partnerships. As we look to the future, we remain committed to furthering the professional development of our members and enhancing the Sri Lankan IT footprint in the UAE,” said Kuminda.

The event showcased key highlights, including the Annual Report for 2023/2024, Sub-Committee Reports for Business Development, Membership, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and the Financial Statements for 2023/2024. The appointment of new Executive Committee members and amendments to the constitution were also significant aspects of the AGM.

The highlight of the evening was the SLITPA IT Awards Night, which recognised outstanding contributions in various categories. The winners included:

Sri Lankan IT Personality of the Year: Arimac Chameera Jayasinghe 

Best IT Project Executed by a Sri Lankan IT Professional: Tainocate Zafarullah Hashim 

Best Sri Lankan IT Company in the UAE: Orel IT

Best IT Education Program of the year: Next Education Group for the MSc in Digital Transformation Program

Additionally, a Special Judges Panel Award was presented to Parakrama Munaweera from ETIT Training Institute for its contributions towards AI-related educational programs.

The night concluded with raffle draws, dinner, and musical entertainment, fostering camaraderie and celebration among members.

The Sri Lankan Information Technology (IT) Professionals Association in the United Arab Emirates (SLITPA-UAE) is a non-profit association founded in 2021. It comprises Sri Lankan IT professionals working and living in the UAE, aiming to enhance the presence and impact of Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE market. Through various initiatives and events, SLITPA-UAE strives to support and elevate its members while promoting professional excellence and collaboration.