Empowering 19,000+ Professionals : SLASSCOM Academy Celebrates 4-Year Milestone

SLASSCOM Academy, the professional training arm of the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), has successfully completed four years of operations, reaching an important milestone in its mission to strengthen Sri Lanka’s technology and digital talent ecosystem.

Since its establishment, the Academy has delivered over 250 training programmes, clocking over 46,000 learning hours and engaging more than 19,000 participants.

These figures reflect not only scale, but the Academy’s sustained relevance to evolving industry needs.

Building Momentum Over Four Years - In its first year, SLASSCOM Academy identified key skills gaps in the IT and BPM sectors and launched targeted, practitioner-led programmes focused on practical, business-relevant learning.

In its second year, the Academy expanded its programme portfolio, engaging mid-and senior-level professionals and placing greater focus on leadership development and emerging technologies.

By its third year, SLASSCOM Academy had become an industry-driven learning hub, delivering a broad mix of technical and non-technical programmes with strong support from corporate partners providing subject matter expertise, speakers, and venues.

In its fourth year, the Academy focused on next-generation technologies and strategic skills, drawing growing interest from non-tech organisations seeking hands-on exposure to technology-led transformation, digital tools, and innovation-focused thinking.

Training Focus Areas-SLASSCOM Academy’s training portfolio demonstrates a balanced approach, combining the development of technical expertise with essential workplace skills.

Tech-focused programmes made up the largest share at 47%, catering not only to technology professionals but also addressing the growing technical learning needs of non-technical audiences across industries.

In particular, AI training has seen a significant surge in demand.

The Academy is now focusing on industry- and function-specific applications—such as manufacturing, payroll, demand forecasting and much more—ensuring learners gain practical, role-relevant skills.

Most AI trainings are delivered with SLASSCOM members, combining local and international experts to share real-world insights.

Soft skills programmes followed closely at 34%, highlighting the increasing importance of communication, collaboration, and workplace effectiveness in tech-driven environments.

Analytical skills training represented 14% of the total programmes, supporting data-driven decision-making across a range of roles and industries.

Leadership development programmes accounted for the remaining 5%, reinforcing SLASSCOM Academy’s commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders alongside technical and functional expertise.

SLASSCOM Academy is working towards being the preferred training partner for all tech companies in Sri Lanka, while also serving as the trusted training organisation for non-tech companies seeking credible, industry-backed learning in technology-related areas.

Commenting on this milestone, Shehani Seneviratne, Chairperson of SLASSCOM, stated:

“This milestone reflects more than numbers; it reflects our commitment to building a future-ready workforce to further project Sri Lanka as a global destination for technology innovation and competitive talent.

SLASSCOM Academy’s success is driven by strong industry collaboration and a shared belief that continuous, practical learning is essential to sustaining growth in our Knowledge and innovation industry.”

Vice Chairman of SLASSCOM; Sampath Jayasundara added:

“The strength of SLASSCOM Academy lies in the active contribution of our member companies, whose industry leaders consistently share real-world experience, global best practices, and emerging insights.

This close collaboration ensures our programmes remain practical, relevant, and firmly aligned with the evolving needs of the IT and BPM sectors”

As it looks to the future, SLASSCOM Academy remains committed to continuously evolving its offerings, deepening partnerships, and playing a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s future-ready technology workforce.

Photo Captions : Ai Trainings -

Top - AI Horizon: Strategic Insights for Business Leaders - From left to right:- Harshan Senadhira - Associate Director Delivery at Mitra AI, Oshada Senanayake - Director at Brandix Apparel Ltd, Nishantha Hettiarachchi - Director of Engineering and Architecture at Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, Darshan Gunawardena - Director - Engineering, AI and Data at Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Bottom - Dr. Ajith Pasqual - Director and Senior Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, with Krishan Senevirathne - VP of Engineering at Cut+Dry, Shanthi Rajesh - Director - Cybersecurity atSysco LABS and BISO - APAC, Sysco and Janani Liyanage - Co-Founder, Director at Business Agility TuneUp.