Today leaders of countries in the world have identified the importance of Information and Communication Technology and Digitalization to develop their economies of their countries. Corona Virus pandemic has accelerated the usage of digital technologies and has demonstrated the importance of digital readiness which played a crucial role in keeping the society functional, and business and life to continue as normal to a certain extent.
Today the Government and the IT industry in Sri Lanka have understood that there are major opportunities in the IT industry to increase the IT export income to over US $ 5 billion within the next few years. But today the IT industry is facing a huge challenge to expand due to the shortage of skilled IT professionals. In the job market there are plenty of IT certificate holders without the required skills level to match the global requirement.
Education and Training Chapter of FITIS with over 20 reputed educational institutes in Sri Lanka as members plays a vital role to fill the skills gap by identifying the proper requirements of the IT industry and to provide quality education in IT to the youth maintaining the highest standards. The IT education should be combined with at least a 6 to 12 months internships with IT industry training for the students to get the proper exposure and to understand the industry work environment.
I would like to invite IT Associations in Sri Lanka to join hands with FITIS Education and Training Chapter to exchange feedback on IT Education and industry requirements through IT Forums, meetings etc.
One of my main goals is to improve the communication between the IT Industry and IT educators so that we can create quality IT professional to the IT industry which will help to minimize the shortage of skilled work force in the industry. In return IT companies will be able to increase the export income and bring more US $ to Sri Lanka.
We also conduct IT career Guidance programs and workshops to educate youth of the importance of IT. Today there is a very higher demand for IT professionals locally and internationally which offers very high salary scales. Also, with global digitalization all the industries such as Banking and Finance, Transport, Tourism, Agriculture, Health, Engineering etc. are using digital technology to carry out their day-to-day activities. Today a person can have the highest degree in their respective field but without the IT knowledge they cannot find an employment as every industry field is using IT digital technology.
FITIS Education and Training chapter works closely with the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, UGC, ICTA, VTA, NAITA etc. to improve the quality of IT Education and to make sure that the students who leave Schools and other Educational Institutes are employable and will be able to contribute towards the economy of the country.
All member Institutes of Educations and Training Chapter (FITIS) are highly reputed institutes which provides quality education to Sri Lankan youth. To join the Education and Training Chapter of FITIS a company should maintain the highest standards in every aspect as per the guidelines given by FITIS and FITIS has certified and accredited all these institutes as Quality Educators. Students can join FITIS member institutes to follow their education without any hesitation due and observe their Kids performing well in their selected Career path.
I invite all Educational institutes which provides IT education to join FITIS and gain bundles of benefits such as higher recognition in the society, join major events organized by FITIS such as INFOTEL National IT Exhibition, Career Guidance programmes for School students / Teachers, IT workshops for Students and Teachers, networking sessions with Schools, educational institutes and Professionals in the IT industry to expand their business opportunities.
FITIS E & T chapter acts as a negotiating body to represent the Members on matters concerning It Education, by having discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka and instrumentalities thereof.

Vajira Karunaratne
President — FITIS Education & Training Chapter