The Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), the leading professional organization for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts in the country, celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 7, 2026, at the BMICH. This event highlighted five decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership in advancing Sri Lanka’s digital landscape.
The significant occasion gathered esteemed figures from the government, technology sector, policy-making bodies, academia, international collaborators, former presidents, fellows, members, students, and notable guests to reflect on CSSL’s journey since its inception in 1976. Beyond celebrating its rich past, the Golden Jubilee underscored CSSL’s dedication to shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s digital economy by nurturing innovation, developing digital skills, and supporting the national vision of becoming a competitive digital player on the global stage.
For the past fifty years, CSSL has been pivotal in driving ICT advancements in Sri Lanka, advocating for professional standards, ethical practices, education, research, and policy development. The Society has trained numerous ICT professionals and has been a trusted advisor to government agencies, industries, and educational institutions on critical national issues.
In the face of rapidly evolving digital technologies, CSSL continues to lead discussions on crucial topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, software development, digital governance, and emerging technologies. Its key initiatives, including the National IT Conference (NITC), the National CIO Forum, the CIO List, and various professional development programs, have significantly enhanced Sri Lanka’s digital framework while fostering innovation and recognizing excellence.
During the event, CSSL President Heahan Karunaratne reflected on the organization’s significant achievements and future aspirations. He stated, “As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka, we pay homage to the vision and hard work of our founders. Over the last fifty years, CSSL has been instrumental in promoting the ICT profession, fostering innovation, and cultivating digital talent in Sri Lanka. Our Golden Jubilee not only celebrates our heritage but also reinforces our commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s digital economy. We aim to collaborate closely with government, industry, academia, and our members to create a digitally empowered nation and position Sri Lanka as a leader in technology and innovation.”
Karunaratne further emphasized the need for people to remain central to the ongoing digital transformation, underscoring CSSL’s commitment to ensuring that technological advancements yield tangible benefits for all citizens while maintaining professionalism, ethics, and trust.
As the Chief Guest, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne congratulated CSSL on reaching this historic milestone. He remarked, “The government’s vision for a modern digital economy can only be realized through robust partnerships with institutions like the Computer Society of Sri Lanka. For fifty years, CSSL has significantly contributed to the development of ICT professionals, fostering innovation, and enhancing the nation’s digital capabilities. We commend CSSL on this important achievement and look forward to collaborating to accelerate Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, create valuable jobs, attract digital investments, and establish Sri Lanka as a competitive digital nation.”
The Deputy Minister recognized the essential role of professional organizations in cultivating future-ready talent, enhancing cybersecurity, promoting innovation, and instilling confidence in the digital economy.
Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, acknowledged CSSL’s vital contributions to the nation’s digital advancement and highlighted the necessity of collaboration in fulfilling Sri Lanka’s digital objectives. He expressed, “Digital transformation fundamentally revolves around people, not merely technology. It involves creating opportunities, improving public services, empowering businesses, and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. Over the past fifty years, CSSL has been an invaluable partner in developing digital talent, advocating for professional excellence, supporting innovation, and influencing national policy. As we build Sri Lanka’s digital future, partnerships between the government and professional bodies like CSSL will be crucial for creating an inclusive, secure, and globally competitive digital economy.”
A key feature of the anniversary celebration was CSSL’s renewed commitment to promoting Human-Centric Digital Adoption and advancing the national vision of Society 5.0. CSSL asserts that true progress is only achieved when technology enhances human lives. Society 5.0 advocates for a human-centered approach where artificial intelligence, data, robotics, and digital innovation are harnessed to address societal challenges, improve public services, create new economic opportunities, and enhance the well-being of all citizens.
An important component of the Golden Jubilee festivities was the CSSL Colloquium 2026, held concurrently at the BMICH, which provided a platform for promoting research, innovation, and product-based solutions. This event reflected CSSL’s commitment to bridging research, industry, and entrepreneurship to develop technology-driven solutions with national significance.
CSSL’s collaborative partners, including Neo Ventures with NIBM and Connect to Care with the Ministry of Agriculture, showcased startup initiatives and the GoviNext program, illustrating how digital technology can transform sectors, empower communities, and generate new opportunities.
Human-Centric Digital Adoption has been established as a strategic framework for Sri Lanka’s digital future, with CSSL championing policies and initiatives that empower citizens, educators, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and the public sector to adopt technology in a responsible and confident manner. The Society believes that digital transformation must be inclusive, ethical, secure, and sustainable, ensuring that no community is left behind as the nation progresses toward a digital economy.
Throughout the evening, special recognition was given to CSSL’s founders, former presidents, fellows, volunteers, and members whose vision and commitment have elevated the Society to one of Sri Lanka’s most esteemed professional institutions. Their collective efforts have shaped many generations of ICT professionals and have made significant contributions to national development.
The celebration also highlighted CSSL’s numerous accomplishments over the past fifty years, emphasizing its role in professional certification, education, research, industry engagement, student development, policy advocacy, and international collaboration. These initiatives have fortified Sri Lanka’s ICT ecosystem and inspired innovation and excellence across both public and private sectors.
Looking to the future, CSSL reaffirms its dedication to supporting the Government’s digital economy agenda by enhancing digital skills, fostering research and innovation, promoting ethical artificial intelligence, strengthening cybersecurity, encouraging digital entrepreneurship, and facilitating closer collaboration among government, industry, academia, and international partners.
As CSSL embarks on its next fifty years, it does so with a clear vision to guide Sri Lanka towards a human-centered digital society where technology empowers individuals, strengthens communities, stimulates sustainable economic growth, and improves the quality of life for every citizen. Grounded in the principles of Society 5.0 and supported by a robust ecosystem of professionals and partners, CSSL remains committed to building a digitally inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive Sri Lanka.
Thus, the Golden Jubilee was not just a reflection on the past but a celebration of purpose, partnership, and potential—a tribute to fifty years of professional excellence and a bold commitment to shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
