‘ICT Open Forum’ with Harin on Friday to resolve industry issues

A key ICT Industry Open Forum to discuss and evolve solutions to the common problems confronting the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Sri Lanka will be held under the patronage of Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Harin Fernando at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) at 3.00 p.m. 29 January.

The Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Customs, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC), Consumer Affairs Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Inland Revenue Department, and the Ministry of Defence are scheduled to participate in this forum organised by the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS). 

Expressing his views on the forthcoming conference FITIS President  Chinthaka Wijewickrama said: “With a strategic goal in place, Sri Lanka is optimistic of achieving $ 5 billion worth of IT exports by the year 2022. Similarly, we are confident of creating 250,000 plus viable employment opportunities in the IT sector. In addition, the industry is also pushing ahead with plans to enhance computer literacy to 100%”

“We can certainly achieve this national target. But, for this dire need to become a reality, it is imperative that all businessmen in the Information and Communication Technology industry stand united and work concertedly towards achieving this key objective. Similarly, a good rapport to build a continuing dialogue between the government and private sectors is equally vital to forge ahead to achieve tangible results in this regard. It is through such unity and a process of consultations that we can identify common problems in this important sphere and resolve them by way of discussions. After this immediate target is reached, all industry players can put their heads together to map out a long-term policy framework for the development and progress of Sri Lanka’s ICT industry. As the first step in this effort, the ICT conference has been scheduled for the 29th. Members of FITIS as well as non members within the industry can participate in this conference”.

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) constitutes the Sri Lanka Computer Vendors Association (SLCVA) – which is its Hardware Chapter, the Sri Lanka Association for the Software Industry (SLASI) – the Software Chapter, the Association of Computer Training Organizations (ACTOS) – the Training Chapter, the Lanka Internet Service Providers Association (LISPA)/(TPA) – the Telecommunications Chapter and the Information Systems Audit & Control Association (ISACA) – the Professional Chapter. 

FITIS has been in operation for the past 25 years as the unified umbrella organisation of the ICT industry in Sri Lanka. FITIS has been actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and development of the ICT industry in Sri Lanka with many successfully implemented programs. As many as 250 organisations representing the respective Chapters, are members of FITIS. The vision and mission of the organisation and the enormous work it has done in this vital sphere can be viewed by logging on to www.fitis.lk