FITIS partners USAID CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development activity

From left: FITIS Professional Chapter President Lakmal Embuldeniya, USAID CATALYZE PSD Deputy Field Team Lead Delrene Seneviratne, Activity Team Lead Juan Forero, FITIS Chairman Indika De Zoysa, Vice Chairman Channa De Silva, Vice Chairman Thariq Sanoon and CEO Dinesh C. A. Sattrukalsinghe

• Initiative to empower SMEs through data security, cyber security and innovation

FITIS Chairman Indika De Zoysa

FITIS Professional Chapter President Lakmal Embuldeniya

A one-day conference was successfully concluded titled ‘Empowering SMEs through Data Security, Cyber Security and Innovation’, organised jointly by the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) Professional Chapter which comprise the Information Systems Audit and Control Association of Sri Lanka (ISACA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), National Innovation Agency (NIA), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise attached to Department of Entrepreneurship (DOE), Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura contributed towards the success of this conference.

Sri Lanka CERT|CC Director Jayantha Fernando in his speech discussed the newly enacted Sri Lanka Data Protection Act and its impact on the digital economy. He also addressed other related acts such as the Right to Information Act, Electronic Transactions Act, and Computer Crimes Act. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of creating awareness about the Act, particularly among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Digital Product Engineering Company Nagarro Global Leadership team member Dr. Sankalpa Gamwarige delivered a speech on the topic of ‘Innovation Mindset’ wherein he commenced by explicating the distinction between Innovation and Invention. He subsequently delved into various types of innovation, namely business innovation, disruptive innovation, social innovation, frugal innovation, and open innovation. Towards the conclusion of his speech, he expounded on 10 essential components of an innovative mindset, which included creative curiosity, analytical curiosity, empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration, among others.

Tech One Global COO and Co-Founder Wasantha Weerakoone addressed the significance of digital resilience and disaster recovery for SMEs. Weerakoone emphasised the critical role of digital signature tools in ensuring authenticity and non-repudiation, underlining their importance in safeguarding businesses against unforeseen circumstances.

FITIS was set up in 1996 and functions as the apex body of the ICT industry in the country covering all major industry/technology verticals/segments. FITIS comprises the following chapters namely, Hardware Chapter, Software Chapter, Education Training Chapter, Communication Chapter, Digital Service Chapter, Professional Chapter, Office Automation Chapter and Professional Consultants Chapter. Member Organisations within the ICT Industry join FITIS based on their organisational focus(es) and contribute towards the super-ordinate strategy of each of the chapters, and each of the chapters in turn are aligned to deliver upon the super-ordinate promise to the ICT industry and Nation at large. FITIS is actively engaged in driving the Digital Agenda here in Sri Lanka via digitalisation and digital transformation thereby aiding in the fuelling of the digital economy in Sri Lanka.

FITIS Professional chapter (ISACA Sri Lanka chapter) focuses on promoting and educating information security, privacy, governance and audit in the country. It is part of a global network of more than 200 chapters worldwide. The chapter has been very active in the country and conducts monthly webinars and physical conferences to its members and MoU partners on a continuum.

The USAID CATALYZE PSD Activity continues to unlock opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in high growth sectors in Sri Lanka which includes Information and Communications Technology. The activity acts as a catalyst in private sector development by fostering MSME’s capacity, competitiveness, and access to finance.