தவறவிடாதீர்கள்..!உடனே பதிவு செய்யுங்கள்

Sri Lanka's technology SMEs have a critical role to play in achieving the country's target of US$5 billion in digital exports and building a US$15 billion digital economy, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said yesterday.

Addressing the launch of the DISHA Mentorship Programme 2026, organised by India's National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) in Colombo, the Deputy Minister said the mentorship initiative would create benefits extending well beyond the participating companies.

"The impact of this programme can extend far beyond the participating firms. When a technology SME scales, it creates skilled jobs, earns foreign exchange through exports, invests in people and intellectual property, and helps digitalise agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, education and logistics," he said. He noted that the programme would not only transform the participating companies but also enrich the mentors through the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Weeraratne said the collective impact of stronger technology enterprises would contribute significantly to Sri Lanka's broader economic transformation and digital ambitions. The Deputy Minister said the launch of the programme reflected the deep and growing technology partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

"India's technology industry has achieved global scale, and NASSCOM has played a central role in achieving that scale. Sharing that experience with Sri Lanka is a practical and generous form of partnership, measured not only in agreements but in stronger companies, better jobs and new opportunities," he said. He thanked Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, NASSCOM President Rajesh Nambiar, the mentors and all others who helped make the initiative possible. Addressing the 28 participating technology SMEs, the Deputy Minister urged entrepreneurs to make the fullest use of the mentorship programme by openly discussing their business challenges, asking difficult questions, implementing the advice they receive and, in turn, mentoring others as they grow.

"When you succeed, return the favour by guiding someone else," he said, expressing confidence that the initiative would strengthen Sri Lanka's technology ecosystem and accelerate innovation-led growth.