Sri Lanka’s young innovators have reached a significant milestone on the global digital stage, securing multiple prestigious victories at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2025 held in Taiwan. Competing against some of the region’s top technology talents, the Sri Lankan delegation achieved outstanding international recognition. The awards, presented by the Vice President of Taiwan, Hsiao Bi-khim, marked a proud moment for the nation.
This success stems from the Young Computer Scientist (YCS) Challenge, a leading national competition organized by the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC). The initiative aims to identify and nurture the technical talents of school children across Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan team’s performance was distinguished by remarkable creativity and technical prowess. In the Junior Category, Ahamed Ammar Shiham of Royal College, Colombo, was named 2nd Runner-up, recognizing his exceptional dedication and skill. The senior division saw students from Nalanda College, Colombo, excel with notable achievements. Thewnitha Piyadasa received a Merit Award for his “PureAir Project,” an innovative approach to environmental solutions. His project also resonated with the international audience, earning him the coveted People’s Choice Award. Additionally, Team HELIX—comprised of Thewnitha Piyadasa, Aryan Senaratne, and Lithum Ekenayake—was honored with a Merit Award, underscoring their teamwork and technical excellence and further establishing Sri Lanka as a leader among regional innovators.
This international accomplishment was made possible through the dedicated support and exclusive sponsorship of ESOFT Uni. The institution played a pivotal role, not only by providing financial assistance but also by fostering the growth of students into globally competitive innovators. FITIS expressed deep appreciation for ESOFT Uni’s steadfast commitment, which has been instrumental in bringing Sri Lankan talent to the world stage.
Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT Uni, stated:
“We are witnessing the rise of Sri Lanka’s future ICT leaders. By giving these students a helping hand, we are not just teaching them technology; we are empowering them to compete and win on the world stage.”
The delegation’s achievements were supported by a collaborative network of partners. The University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) provided essential academic oversight during the YCS judging process, ensuring that only the highest quality projects represented the nation. The Ministry of Education also played a crucial role, offering consistent support and coordination with schools and principals, enabling students to focus on their innovations.
The leadership of FITIS, including Chairman Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Software Chapter President Mr. Kalinga Ihalagedara, and Vice President Mr. Rikaz Moin, offered invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout the international competition. The operational efforts of the FITIS Secretariat, along with the strong support of the students’ parents, formed the foundation of these historic achievements.
As Sri Lanka continues to gain recognition on the global ICT stage, FITIS remains committed to empowering the next generation of ICT leaders, with ongoing support from ESOFT Uni.
