Sustainability fuels growth in Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM sector: experts
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA — The CEO & Leadership Meeting hosted by the SLASSCOM ESG Forum recently highlighted the transformative role of sustainability in Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM sector.
Under the theme “Sustainability: A Catalyst for Business Growth and Resilience,” the event brought together industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and policymakers to explore how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles can propel innovation, resilience, and long-term success.
Sophie Graham, Sustainability & ESG Lead at IFS, emphasized that sustainability is not merely a compliance requirement but a strategic business enabler. Drawing on her global experience across EMEIA, the Americas, and the UK, she shared examples of organizations leveraging ESG strategies to achieve competitive advantages.
“Organizations embracing this shift will lead in innovation and resilience,” she said, urging Sri Lankan companies to align with global ESG standards.
Embedding ESG principles for long-term success
A panel discussion moderated by Zahra Cader, Director of ESG at Deloitte, explored opportunities and challenges in implementing sustainability practices within Sri Lanka’s IT and BPM industries.
Chamindry Saparamadu, Director General of Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Development Council, stressed the sector’s potential to advance key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted areas such as climate action, renewable energy adoption, gender equality, and digital innovation as critical focus points. She also introduced plans for a National SDG Progress Report to monitor advancements in these areas.
Denver De Zylva of Virtusa outlined actionable strategies for embedding sustainability into business operations. He emphasized transparent governance, energy-efficient software development, and reducing environmental impact through sustainable IT practices.
Meanwhile, Azam Baker-Marker from the United Nations urged companies to prioritize renewable energy adoption and circular economy principles to enhance global competitiveness.
Collaboration: The key to scalable sustainability solutions
The event underscored the importance of collaboration across public, private, and non-profit sectors to create scalable solutions. Key priorities included renewable energy integration, ethical governance frameworks, and inclusive decision-making processes.
Sophie Graham reiterated the need for long-term commitment to sustainability, stating, “Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Companies that lead in sustainability today will set the standard for the future.”
A strategic advantage for Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM sector
The overarching takeaway from the meeting was clear: sustainability is not just an ethical obligation but a strategic advantage.
By aligning with global ESG standards and fostering innovation through sustainable practices, Sri Lanka’s IT and BPM sectors are well-positioned to lead in creating economic growth while driving positive social and environmental impact.
