Leading charge: Just In Time Group CEO on driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation

Group CEO Neranjan Dissanayake 

Just In Time Group CEO Neranjan Dissanayake notes the role of corporates extends beyond 

merely providing ICT 

solutions; they focus 

on implementing 

innovative technologies that transform industries and enhance public services.

Following are excerpts:

Q: What is your vision for the ICT sector and how do you believe JIT can help?

Sri Lanka becoming a hub for technological innovation, sustainability, and competence in the region. Fostering an environment where the ICT sector makes a significant contribution to the national economy, advances social progress, and guarantees an inclusive digital society is the aim. Creating a thriving ecosystem of tech businesses – from start-ups to well-established firms – that are capable of global innovation and competitiveness is part of this.

JIT is committed to playing a consultative role in the ICT sector, in accordance with the Just In Time Group’s dream statement of “Leading Sri Lanka’s digital ambitions as a trailblazer in technology, fusing innovation and empathy to craft digital bridges that empower us to conquer challenges hand in hand on a global scale”. This entails developing long-term ties and partnerships with consumers, guiding them from project conception to completion. JIT’s strategy is to thoroughly understand the business issues at hand and create unique solutions that not only meet current demands but also anticipate potential challenges.

JIT can ensure that the solutions given are not only technologically modern, but also align with the clients’ strategic company objectives, supporting long-term growth and digital transformation. This strategy demonstrates that JIT is dedicated to being more than just a service provider, but also a trusted partner who is invested in their clients’ long-term success.

JIT’s collaborative journey designed to assist organisations in efficiently leveraging technology, improving their operations and allowing them to prosper in a digital economy. By doing so, JIT helps to advance Sri Lanka’s ICT industry, guaranteeing that the country and its companies can achieve global digital standards and compete effectively on a worldwide scale.

Q: What are some global trends in your area of business you want to see implemented locally?

Incorporating global trends like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the local business landscape is crucial for fostering a sustainable and equitable digital economy in Sri Lanka. ESG considerations can drive organisations to adopt greener technologies, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure ethical governance, aligning with global sustainability and social responsibility standards. With growing concerns about climate change, there’s a trend towards sustainable IT practices, including energy-efficient data centers and e-waste management. Embracing these practices locally can contribute to environmental sustainability and align with global ecological goals. Additionally, embracing SDGs in the ICT sector can guide businesses to focus on impactful areas like quality education, industry innovation and infrastructure, and responsible consumption and production to name a few. By aligning business practices with these goals, companies can contribute to sustainable development and positive societal impact.

Fintech is another area ripe for local implementation, revolutionising financial services through digital platforms, enhancing access to banking, investment, and insurance services, and promoting financial inclusion. The integration of fintech solutions can streamline transactions, reduce costs, and improve transparency and security in financial operations.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Sri Lanka can revolutionise sectors by enhancing decision-making, automating processes, and personalising customer experiences, especially in healthcare, finance, and retail. The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to transform daily life and operations, leading to smarter cities and more efficient energy and industrial management. The deployment of 5G technology is key to enabling faster and more reliable internet, which can facilitate advancements like IoT and autonomous vehicles, offering Sri Lanka improved connectivity and new digital services. Cybersecurity is paramount in safeguarding against digital threats, necessitating the adoption of global best practices to protect businesses and individuals. Blockchain technology, known for its transparency and security, could overhaul systems like supply chain management and digital identity verification. Lastly, cloud computing’s scalability and cost-effectiveness can provide local businesses and Government agencies, the agility needed to adapt to changing technological demands.

Q: In your opinion, what is the role of corporates such as yours in reviving Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape?

Leveraging advanced technologies to drive digital transparency, economic growth, cost reduction, and business efficiency. Our role extends beyond merely providing ICT solutions; we focus on implementing innovative technologies that transform industries and enhance public services.

By introducing cutting-edge technologies, JIT helps improve transparency and accountability, essential for good governance and trust. These advancements enable real-time data access and analysis, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and optimise operations. The economic growth spurred by these technologies creates new market opportunities, stimulates innovation, and generates employment across various sectors.

Cost reduction is another key benefit, as technologies like cloud computing and automation streamline processes and lower operational costs. This efficiency is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and resilient in a dynamic market.

Undertaking large-scale projects that bring about these technological advancements requires a strong and capable company like JIT. Our extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships enable us to handle complex, high-impact projects effectively. We are committed to driving digital transformation that aligns with national development goals, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for Sri Lanka.

Q: What are your organisation’s plans for the future in terms of expansion, new products/services etc.?

As I mentioned earlier, we plan to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G to address industry challenges and drive significant advancements.

In healthcare, our future includes exploring telemedicine platforms, wearable health devices, and AI-driven diagnostic tools to revolutionise patient care. In agriculture, we are developing precision farming solutions, agricultural drones, and smart irrigation systems to promote sustainable farming practices.

We are also committed to advancing clean energy and environmental technologies, including energy storage solutions, waste-to-energy technologies, and water purification systems. In the education sector, as previously discussed, we aim to transform learning through VR/AR learning platforms, e-learning platforms, and AI-powered adaptive learning systems.

To achieve these goals, we will continue to invest significantly in research and development, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Strategic collaborations with external consultants, universities, and research institutes

Q: How has JIT differentiated itself from competitors and established itself as a top ICT Systems and Solutions Integrator in Sri Lanka?

We differentiate ourselves by adopting a comprehensive and dynamic strategic approach to technology and innovation. This strategy has positioned us as a key player in Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation journey, providing specialised expertise across a broad range of sectors, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, data analytics, AI, cloud services, and advanced defence solutions.

JIT’s role in supporting Government initiatives is a standout aspect of its operations. The company has developed tailored solutions that streamline Government processes, contributing significantly to projects like the National Common Card and Payment Switch (CCAPS), the National ID system, and satellite-based oil spill detection. These efforts demonstrate JIT’s ability to address complex challenges with innovative solutions that have a direct impact on national infrastructure and security.

In the BFSI sector, JIT has revolutionised financial services through its advanced banking applications, including digital and core banking solutions, anti-money laundering systems, and FinTech solutions. Their involvement in telecommunications has been equally transformative, with key contributions to secure network establishment, revenue assurance, fraud management, and data management systems.

JIT’s focus on defence is another critical differentiator. The company has provided mission-critical solutions that enhance national security and operational readiness, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in both public and private sectors.

The company’s emphasis on research, strategic partnerships with global tech leaders like FIS, Thales, Silverlake Axis, and IBM, and a strong customer-centric approach allows JIT to stay ahead of the curve. By investing in the right technologies and forming these key alliances, JIT can deliver innovative, tailored solutions that not only meet current needs but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring its leadership position in the industry.