TRACE – Sri Lanka recently hosted TRACE Innovation Connect 2024 at TRACE Expert City, marking a significant step towards building collaboration between the Sri Lankan tech diaspora and their homeland. Organised in partnership with Work in Sri Lanka, the event successfully gathered over 100 expatriates, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, and diplomats. This gathering aimed to enable a ‘brain gain’ for Sri Lanka by encouraging the migration of technical know-how and inspiring the Sri Lankan tech diaspora to actively contribute to the nation’s innovation and economic resilience. The event also showcased Sri Lanka’s evolving tech landscape and the country’s untapped potential on the global stage.
The agenda featured a lineup of highly respected speakers, each offering unique insights into the tech and innovation ecosystem. Dr. Sankalpa Gamwarige, Founding Director & Advisor at TRACE – Sri Lanka, welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose and significance of the event. Dr. Bandula Wijay, CEO and President of LeoMed, took the stage to discuss the intricacies of high-tech biomedical discoveries and the processes behind breakthrough innovations. Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, President and CEO of Codegen International, emphasised the critical need for Sri Lanka to focus on high-tech innovations to maintain a competitive edge, while showcasing the significant advancements his company has brought to the nation’s innovation landscape. Ranil Vitharana, Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Technology Officer at MAS Holdings, shared the inspiring journey of his company in achieving 100 patents, illustrating the potential for innovation within Sri Lanka.
Azusa Kubota, past Resident Representative at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka, pointed out the significance of initiatives like TRACE Innovation Connect and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting TRACE’s mission. Nayana Samaranayake, the founder of Work in Sri Lanka, spoke passionately about the importance of encouraging the Sri Lankan diaspora to return and contribute their expertise to the national economy. He also outlined the various ways in which Work in Sri Lanka supports this crucial process.
The 10th anniversary of TRACE – Sri Lanka was also celebrated during the event, marked by the ceremonial cutting of a cake by the Founders of TRACE. Following this, Heminda Jayaweera, Executive Director at TRACE – Sri Lanka, introduced the audience to the National Startup Accelerator Program, highlighting TRACE’s pivotal role in enabling entrepreneurship by providing startups with essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to drive innovation on a national scale. Finally, Clautilda Arockiam, Board Member at TRACE – Sri Lanka, emphasised the necessity of building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Sri Lanka, advocating for a reduction in reliance on traditional exports and an embrace of innovation. She issued a call to action to the audience, urging them to support TRACE through knowledge sharing and training, supporting STEAM curriculum in schools, networking and introductions, funding, and by becoming ambassadors for TRACE.
TRACE envisions Sri Lanka as Asia’s leading hub for technology and innovation, and is committed to playing a vital role in the country’s economic resilience and technological advancement through its various initiatives. As TRACE continues to expand its global innovation ecosystem, the organisation extends an invitation to individuals and organisations to support its mission through knowledge sharing, funding, and introductions.
Stay connected with TRACE – Sri Lanka for updates on upcoming initiatives by following their social media channels.
TRACE – Sri Lanka
TRACE is Sri Lanka’s leading innovation hub that’s Technologically Re-Awakening a Culture of Excellence in the nation. This non-profit organisation acts as a catalyst spurring creativity, collaboration and the creation of high-tech products across various sectors and industries.