CSSL unveils 2024 CIO List: Pioneering future of digital leadership

CSSL President  Heshan Karunaratne

CSSL National CIO Forum and CSSL National CIO List Co-Chair Rasantha Hettithanthrige

CSSL National CIO Forum and CSSL National CIO List Co-Chair  Ruvendra Gunasena

The Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) has reaffirmed its commitment to digital excellence with the unveiling of the prestigious CSSL National CIO List 2024, an initiative recognising the nation’s top Chief Information Officers (CIOs) for their outstanding contributions to the industry. This flagship event brought together industry pioneers, technology leaders, and key stakeholders to recognise and honour the individuals driving digital transformation across Sri Lanka.

Inaugurated in 2023, The CSSL National CIO List serves as a testament to the critical role CIOs play in shaping the country’s digital landscape. This prestigious recognition highlights leaders who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, strategic vision, and dedication to advancing technology in their respective organisations.

As organisations navigate an era of rapid technological advancements, CIOs have become indispensable in driving business success and sustainability. They are no longer just IT heads; they are strategic leaders who align technology with business objectives, ensuring enterprises remain competitive in a constantly evolving digital ecosystem.

CIOs play a pivotal role in digital transformation, leveraging emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cybersecurity frameworks to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences. Their responsibilities extend beyond technology implementation-they shape innovation strategies, manage digital risks, foster, and a culture of continuous technological advancement resulting business growth within their organisations.

CIOs also play a crucial role in ensuring organisations maintain robust security infrastructures creating resilient business environments to protect against cyber threats. As data becomes a crucial asset, CIOs are responsible for implementing strong data protection policies, regulatory compliance, and ethical technology usage.

CSSL President Heshan Karunaratne said: “The CIOs we honour today are at the forefront of digital transformation. Their leadership, resilience, and ability to leverage emerging technologies are key to shaping Sri Lanka’s future in the digital economy. They serve as visionaries, bridging the gap between technology and business growth.”

The event will be organised by Ruvendra Gunasena and Rasantha Hettithanthrige as Project Chairs. The event will provide an inspiring and interactive platform for industry collaboration. They expressed their appreciation for the contributions of all stakeholders, noting, “The CIO List is not just about recognition—it’s about fostering a culture of digital excellence. CIOs will play a pivotal role in ensuring that technology serves humanity, bridging gaps and enhancing the quality of life. We celebrate these leaders and encourage the next generation of IT professionals to follow in their footsteps.”

The event featured thought-provoking panel discussions and focus group discussions addressing topics ranging from the evolving role of CIOs to strategies for navigating digital disruption. Industry experts shared insights on best practices, emerging trends, and the future of enterprise technology in Sri Lanka.

The unveiling of the CSSL National CIO List 2024 is the climax of the evening, with top CIOs from leading organisations receiving accolades for their contributions to digital transformation. These leaders have been selected by an eminent panel of judges based on their visionary leadership, impact on business growth, and commitment to technological innovation.

By acknowledging the achievements of these professionals, with the Premium partnership of Bluprint Technologies and Connex 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.

As Sri Lanka progresses toward a more digitised economy, the recognition of top CIOs underscores the need for continued investment in technology and leadership development. CSSL remains dedicated to supporting the ICT community by providing platforms for learning, collaboration and recognition.

At this juncture, the country is focusing towards realising $ 15 Billion Digital Economy, the CIOs have to play a pivotal role providing the technological leadership. CSSL is aiming to recognise a critical mass of CIOs in the coming years to reach the national targets of the digital economy and the initiatives towards Society 5.0 and invites all the CIOs to become a part of this prestigious fraternity.