The Sri Lankan Information Technology (IT) Professionals Association in the United Arab Emirates (SLITPA-UAE) proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Awards Night at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, Dubai on 6th of July 2024. The event marked a significant milestone in the association’s journey, celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE.
The prestigious event was graced by the presence of H.E. Udaya Indrarathna, Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, Hon. Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and esteemed members of the Sri Lankan Professionals Association (SLPA) Member Associations.
H.E. Udaya Indrarathna emphasised the importance of the IT sector in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE. “The contributions of Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE are a testament to the talent and dedication of our people. The SLITPA is playing a crucial role in fostering professional growth and enhancing our nation’s image abroad,” said Ambassador Udaya.
Hon. Alexi Gunasekera commended the association’s efforts to create a vibrant community of professionals. “SLITPA’s initiatives are instrumental in connecting and empowering Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE. Their continuous support and collaboration with various stakeholders reflect the strength and unity of our expatriate community,” stated Consul General Gunasekara. Hon Consul General further emphasised that the “Sri Lankan government ICT strategy seeks focused growth in the IT sector in the Middle East. SLITPA is well-positioned to support the growth of the Sri Lankan IT industry’s contribution to the Middle East. Hon Consul General invited the Sri Lankan IT professionals in the UAE to take a leading role in this growth.”
Kuminda Chandimath, President of SLITPA, delivered the President’s Note, highlighting the association’s achievements over the past year. “Our journey has been remarkable, marked by successful initiatives such as webinars and partnerships. As we look to the future, we remain committed to furthering the professional development of our members and enhancing the Sri Lankan IT footprint in the UAE,” said Kuminda.
The event showcased key highlights, including the Annual Report for 2023/2024, Sub-Committee Reports for Business Development, Membership, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and the Financial Statements for 2023/2024. The appointment of new Executive Committee members and amendments to the constitution were also significant aspects of the AGM.
The highlight of the evening was the SLITPA IT Awards Night, which recognized outstanding contributions in various categories. The winners included:
- Sri Lankan IT Personality of the Year: Chameera Jayasinghe from Arimac
- Best IT Project Executed by a Sri Lankan IT Professional: Zafarullah Hashim from Tainocate
- Best Sri Lankan IT Company in the UAE: Orel IT
- Best IT Education Programme of the Year: Next Education Group for the MSc in Digital Transformation Program
Additionally, a Special Judges Panel Award was presented to Parakrama Munaweera from ETIT Training Institute for it’s contributions towards AI-related educational programs.
The night concluded with raffle draws, dinner, and musical entertainment, fostering camaraderie and celebration among members.
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