The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) announces that it successfully concluded the judging of ‘e-Swabhimani – Digital Social Impact Awards’. This year, more than 325 entries were received recording the highest number of entries received in the event’s 10 years of history..
Despite the pandemic, the organizing committee proceeded with the judging of the entries via an online platform.
To select the best of the best, the ICT Agency had chosen a group of well-experienced veterans in the fields of Business Management, Technology, Engineering, Marketing, Government Sector Administration, Medical Health, Public and Social Policy, and Information Security. When asked about his fellow panel members, Prof. Rangika Halwathura – Chairman of the Grand Jury, said, “I think we have an excellent panel this year with the ideal mix of proven professionals. The panel includes several seasoned veterans who have been on the e-Swabhimani judging panel previously. In addition, we have included a few new professionals, considering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability of the awards program for the future and infuse some new blood into the panel. Each entry was judged on technical aspects and contribution to society. Shortlisted applicants were required to present their case on a pre-recorded presentation to the judges during a 10-minute. After which the judges went through a two-day rigorous judging process to shortlist the winning entries.
Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Juror and Moderator went on to state, “It is encouraging to note that even during a pandemic the ICT Agency has taken the initiative to proceed with this land mark initiative to felicitate the judging of the e-Swabhimani contestants. Events such as this not only encourages and also make a meaningful impact to the society but is also expected to drive interest and participation among the newer generation to venture beyond their capabilities.”
The esteemed judging panel consisted of Prof. Rangika Halwathura – Chairman Grand Jury, Mr. Indika De Soyza – Vice President at Huawei Technologies Lanka Co. (Pvt) Ltd. moderated the virtual forum sharing his expertise during the moderating process, Dr. Roshan Hewapathirana – Senior Lecturer of Medical and Health Informatics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Mr. Hasith Yaggahavita – Chief Technology Officer 99X, Mr. Sampath Jayasundara – CEO/Director of hSenid Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd., Mrs. Dilini De Alwis – Chief Operating Officer – Software Solutions and Services of John Keells Information Technology (Pvt.) Ltd., Mrs. Romani Rupasinghe – Head of Engineering – SwivelTech – Swivel Group Pvt Ltd., and Mrs. Jayomi Lokuliyana – Founder ZMessenger representing their respective industries in the corporate sector.
Mr. Chandana Rodrigo – Senior Additional Secretary (Development) Ministry of Technology, Mrs.Vajira Kularathna – Assistant Director at Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr. Samantha Dhikkumburage – Senior Deputy Director – IT at BOI (Board Of Investments Sri Lanka), Mr. Udana Wickremasinghe Director at Sri Lanka Tourism represented the government sector while Mr. Damith Hettihewa – Managing Director of Nimbus Cloud Lanka Ltd, Mr. K.V Kuganathan – Group Chief Information Officer at Janashakthi Group of Companies, Mr. Abbas Kamrudeen – Managing Director of Debug Group of Companies, Mr. Ruwan Amarasekera – Past Chairman of BCS the Chartered Institute for IT Sri Lanka Section) represented the ICT Industry associations, namely, SLASSCOM, FITIS, CSSL, and BCS. Mr. Fadhil Bakeer Markar- Team Leader – Policy and Engagement at UNDP Sri Lanka brought a different perspective to the judging panel as a representative from UNDP Sri Lanka. Mr. Sanjee Balasuriya – Director of Information Security, represented ICTA.
Ms. Chiranthi Balapatabendi – Director of Industry Development, stated, ‘We would like to thank all the judges who have immensely contributed their time and efforts to complete this year’s judging process successfully. Considering the context of the country at present, the number of applications received is very encouraging. I would also like to thank the applicants for submitting their entries. ICTA is committed to promoting innovative and creative digital products and services of local developers, and ‘e-Swabhimani ‘serves as a platform to take the best applications to the international level. This year, the winners will also stand a chance to present their case at the World Summit Awards.
by Daily News Sri Lanka
, Local, ,