SLASSCOM marks year of purpose and progress under leadership of Nishan Mendis

Journey of rebuilding, repositioning and reigniting nation's digital and knowledge economy

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AS the curtains fall on an eventful year for the Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM), outgoing Chairman Nishan Mendis reflected on the past 12 months with a powerful blend of introspection, pride, and optimism. Against a backdrop of national recovery and global challenges, the SLASSCOM's story this year was one of recalibration, resilience, results, and impact.

Rebuilding from crisis

Mendis acknowledged the daunting context in which the year began: a nation emerging from an economic crisis, shaken investor confidence, political uncertainty, and critical mid tier brain drain. Yet, instead of retreating into caution, the SLASSCOM embraced the turbulence as an opportunity to lead with purpose.

"Our goal wasn't just to survive," Mendis stated. "It was to rebuild belief in what Sri Lanka's knowledge and innovation industry could become globally competitive, future focused, and resilient."

At the heart of this vision was a bold, unifying aspiration: to grow Sri Lanka's tech industry into a $ 5 billion export power house by 2030. Every initiative this year, Mendis emphasised, was anchored to this aspiration.

A new playbook for policy engagement

In a politically charged election year, the SLASSCOM positioned itself as a non-partisan, credible voice for the industry. A strategic policy framework, shaped by CEO consultations, was presented to all Presidential candidates, outlining key reforms for a 'Digital Sri Lanka 2030.'

Following the elections, the SLASSCOM acted swiftly to reengage with policymakers and other stakeholders, reinforcing relationships and gaining trust. A major policy victory was secured when the Government reduced the proposed corporate tax rate from 30% to 15% for the services sector-boosting investor confidence and affirming the tech industry's national importance.

Nation-building as a shared responsibility