‘e-Swabhimani – Digital Social Impact Awards’ judging concludes amidst pandemic

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) announces that it successfully concluded the judging of ‘e-Swabhimani – Digital Social Impact Awards’. This year, more than 325 entries were received recording the highest number of entries received in the event’s 10 years of history. Despite the pandemic, the organising committee proceeded with the judging of the entries via an online platform. 

To select the best of the best, the ICT Agency had chosen a group of well-experienced veterans in the fields of Business Management, Technology, Engineering, Marketing, Government Sector Administration, Medical Health, Public and Social Policy, and Information Security. When asked about his fellow panel members, Chairman of the Grand Jury Prof. Rangika Halwathura said, “I think we have an excellent panel this year with the ideal mix of proven professionals. The panel includes several seasoned veterans who have been on the e-Swabhimani judging panel previously. In addition, we have included a few new professionals, considering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability of the awards program for the future and infuse some new blood into the panel. Each entry was judged on technical aspects and contribution to society.” Shortlisted applicants were required to present their case on a pre-recorded 10-minute presentation to the judges, after which the judges went through a two-day rigorous judging process to shortlist the winning entries.

Juror and Moderator Indika De Zoysa went on to state, “It is encouraging to note that even during a pandemic the ICT Agency has taken the initiative to proceed with this landmark initiative to felicitate the judging of the e-Swabhimani contestants. Events such as this not only encourages and also make a meaningful impact to the society but is also expected to drive interest and participation among the newer generation to venture beyond their capabilities.”

The esteemed judging panel consisted of Grand Jury Chairman Prof. Rangika Halwathura, Huawei Technologies Lanka Co. Ltd. Vice President Indika De Soyza moderated the virtual forum sharing his expertise during the moderating process, University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine Senior Lecturer of Medical and Health Informatics Dr. Roshan Hewapathirana, 99X Chief Technology Officer Hasith Yaggahavita, hSenid Business Solutions Ltd. CEO/Director Sampath Jayasundara, John Keells Information Technology Ltd. Chief Operating Officer – Software Solutions and Services Dilini De Alwis, Swivel Group Ltd. SwivelTech Head of Engineering Romani Rupasinghe, and  ZMessenger Founder Jayomi Lokuliyana – representing their respective industries in the corporate sector.

Ministry of Technology Senior Additional Secretary (Development) Chandana Rodrigo, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Assistant Director Vajira Kularathna, Board Of Investments Sri Lanka (BOI) Senior Deputy Director – IT Samantha Dhikkumburage. Sri Lanka Tourism Director Udana Wickremasinghe represented the Government sector while Nimbus Cloud Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Damith Hettihewa, Janashakthi Group of Companies Group Chief Information Officer K.V. Kuganathan, Debug Group of Companies Managing Director Abbas Kamrudeen, Past Chairman of BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka Section) Ruwan Amarasekera represented the ICT Industry associations, namely, SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL, and BCS. UNDP Sri Lanka Team Leader – Policy and Engagement Fadhil Bakeer Markar brought a different perspective to the judging panel as a representative from UNDP Sri Lanka. Director of Information Security Sanjee Balasuriya represented ICTA.

Director of Industry Development Chiranthi Balapatabendi stated, “We would like to thank all the judges who have immensely contributed their time and efforts to complete this year’s judging process successfully. Considering the context of the country at present, the number of applications received is very encouraging. I would also like to thank the applicants for submitting their entries. ICTA is committed to promoting innovative and creative digital products and services of local developers, and ‘e-Swabhimani ‘serves as a platform to take the best applications to the international level. This year, the winners will also stand a chance to present their case at the World Summit Awards.”