Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams
A Note of Appreciation – Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams On behalf of the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association – UAE (SLITPA-UAE), I extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Hon. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, for the kind invitation to the "Sri Lanka: Beyond Your Dreams" event. We also convey our heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; Her Excellency Prof. Arusha Coorey, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE; and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE, for gracing this memorable occasion. It was truly a vibrant, elegant, and memorable evening that beautifully showcased the very best of Sri Lanka. The insightful presentation on national investment opportunities, vibrant celebration of authentic Sri Lankan music and culture, and exquisite cuisine and hospitality created an exceptional experience for all distinguished guests. Furthermore, the outstanding fashion show brought a wonderful touch of glamour and creativity to an already remarkable evening. Initiatives such as "Sri Lanka: Beyond Your Dreams" play an essential role in highlighting Sri Lanka’s investment potential, tourism, culture, talent, and global identity, particularly within the United Arab Emirates. Our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Alexi Gunasekera and the entire organizing team for successfully delivering such a prestigious and impactful event. Warm regards, Thishan Gunasekara President Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association – UAE (SLITPA-UAE) On behalf of the Executive Committee
Enhances New Educational Platforms SLITPA UAE with NEXT Education Group
We are delighted to share another exciting milestone in the growing partnership between the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association – UAE (SLITPA-UAE) and NEXT Education Group. As the next step in our long-term collaboration, we are pleased to launch an exclusive 6-week Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for our professional community. We recently had a productive meeting with Ms. Kumudu Abeyawardane, CEO of NEXT Education Group, where we discussed our shared vision of empowering IT professionals through industry relevant education, continuous learning, and future-ready skills. This AI series marks the beginning of many impactful learning initiatives that we look forward to delivering together. A special thanks to Dr Kumudu Abeyawardane and the NEXT Education Group team for their continued support, trust, and commitment to partnering with SLITPA-UAE in advancing professional development within our community. 📢 The detailed programme schedule, session topics, speaker profiles, and registration details will be announced soon through our official SLITPA-UAE channels. We are excited about this journey and look forward to bringing many more valuable learning opportunities to our members through this partnership. Stay connected. The future starts with continuous development !!!!
CIO 200 Global Finale - Sri Lanka
The Consul General and the Head of Chancery of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka discussed preparations for the CIO 200 Global Finale, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 21–24 September, 2026 with the Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) and HTP Global team in Dubai together with Mr. Thishan Gunasekara, President of the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association in the UAE and Mr. Dhanusha Ranchigoda, Past Treasurer of the SLITPA The discussion highlighted the significant opportunities the event offers for MICE tourism, investment promotion, employment creation, and business networking across multiple sectors. The Consulate General has already informed the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka to facilitate the successful organization of the event and maximize its benefits to the country. The organizers requested support in several areas, and the Consulate General is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure the success of the event. The event is being facilitated by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, and the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association. Appreciation was extended to Mr. Thishan Gunasekara, President of the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association, and Mr. Dhanusha Ranchigoda, Past Treasurer of the SLITPA for their valuable efforts in coordinating with the organizers and bringing the event to Sri Lanka. The Consulate General will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to support the successful conduct of the event.
World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 - Sri Lanka
Global CIO Forum and Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai strengthen partnership for World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026 Global CIO Forum (GCF) held a high-level strategic meeting with H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, to further strengthen collaboration for the World CIO 200 Grand Finale 2026, which will be hosted in Colombo from 22–24 September 2026. The meeting was attended by H.E. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, and Ms. Subashini Silva, Head of Chancery of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai. Representing the Sri Lanka IT Professionals Association (SLITPA) were Mr. Thishan Gunasekara and Mr. Danusha Ranchigoda, who joined representatives of the Global CIO Forum in discussions on maximizing the strategic value of the event for Sri Lanka. The meeting marked another important milestone in the journey towards delivering one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of technology leaders, bringing together over 200 CIOs and CXOs from more than 50 countries to Sri Lanka. During the discussions, both parties explored a broad framework of collaboration that extends well beyond the summit itself, reaffirming a shared vision to leverage the event as a catalyst for economic development, international engagement, knowledge exchange, investment promotion, tourism growth, and strategic partnerships. Anushree Dixit, Richa S
