A New Leader in Sri Lanka's Digital Transformation

SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies), the representative body for Sri Lanka's knowledge and innovation industry, has appointed Shehani Seneviratne as its Chairperson for 2025/2026.

With over 25 years of industry experience, Seneviratne becomes SLASSCOM's second female Chairperson in its history, opening a new chapter in Sri Lanka's digital transformation. This appointment demonstrates SLASSCOM's commitment to gender-inclusive leadership while reaffirming the importance of female leadership in the technology industry.

A Global Technology Leader's Background

Seneviratne currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of 99x Product Engineering, a global technology services company headquartered in Norway. She has been with the company for over 20 years, playing a pivotal role in establishing it as an authoritative firm in software product engineering.

Her expertise spans product engineering, delivery management, customer success, and strategic execution, with operational excellence and people-centric leadership as core values.

Beyond corporate leadership, Seneviratne has been active with SLASSCOM for over 10 years, leading initiatives in talent development, global branding, foreign investment attraction, startup growth, and policy advocacy. She has particularly been a consistent advocate for women in technology, working to strengthen female leadership and expand economic impact.

Five Strategic Priorities Shaping Sri Lanka's IT Industry Future

Chairperson Seneviratne plans to focus her tenure on five strategic priorities that reflect both current needs and long-term vision for Sri Lanka's knowledge and innovation industry.

1. AI Readiness and Future Capability Development Focus on artificial intelligence education and capability development to cultivate globally competitive digital talent.

2. High-Value Export Expansion Increase export value through advanced digital solutions and reposition Sri Lanka as a 'trusted innovation and delivery partner.'

3. Digital Policy Innovation Collaborate with government on advanced digital policies including digital ID, payment platforms, and AI adoption, aligned with the digital economy roadmap.

4. Innovation-Driven Startup Ecosystem Development Accelerate growth of AI-based and deep-tech startups while promoting domestic intellectual property (IP) creation.

5. Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable Growth Enhance industry sustainability through expanded female leadership, regional participation, and green IT-BPM practices.

Creating Social Value Through Technology

Chairperson Seneviratne also plans to advance the 'Tech for Good' initiative through the SLASSCOM Foundation, focusing on using technology to address national challenges in education, sustainability, and digital inclusion.

Additionally, to nurture the next generation of talent, she plans to concentrate support on young professionals, middle managers, and emerging female leaders, ensuring long-term growth and resilience for Sri Lanka's IT-BPM sector.

"As Sri Lanka places digital transformation at the core of its economic vision, SLASSCOM will proudly take on the role of leading this change," stated Chairperson Seneviratne. "We will enhance industry value through globally competitive talent, AI-driven innovation, and high-value exports, while creating an ecosystem rooted in inclusivity and sustainability."

She emphasized, "We will transform Sri Lanka into a digital nation where technology uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and creates meaningful opportunities for all."

New Board Composition

The 2025/2026 Board supporting Chairperson Seneviratne includes industry experts such as Vice Chairperson Sampath Jayasundara (hSenid Business Solutions) and Vice Chairperson for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) Forum, among others.