The Department of Information and Communication Technology of the Faculty of Technology at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka successfully collaborated with SLASSCOM to host the North Central Province – IT & BPM Exploration Day 2026. This impactful event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

The program was designed to create awareness and inspire students to explore career opportunities in the rapidly growing Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Management (BPM) sectors. The event brought together industry experts, academics, and students from different educational levels, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and career guidance.

The event featured multiple parallel sessions tailored to different audiences. Dedicated sessions were conducted for school students, including separate programs for Grades 6–9, as well as for G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level students, enabling early exposure to IT and BPM career pathways. In addition, a special session for schoolgirls titled “STEM for Her” was organized to encourage female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

A main session was conducted for ICT undergraduates, focusing on industry readiness and career development. As part of this, 99x conducted mock interview sessions for ICT students, offering them practical experience and valuable feedback to better prepare for real-world recruitment processes.

Meanwhile, during the course of the event, the Chairperson of SLASSCOM and the COO of 99X Technology, Ms. Shehani Senevirathne, along with several representatives, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor at the Vice Chancellor’s Office. The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations and the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to further strengthen industry–academia partnerships. Representing the university at this discussion were Professor Tharanga Jayasooriya, Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology; Senior Lecturer Mr. Wiraj Wickramaarachchi, the event coordinator; and Dr. Nishadi Prasangini, who actively contributed to the dialogue.

Participants were also exposed to emerging trends in the IT and BPM sectors. Through engaging sessions, panel discussions, and interactive activities, students gained practical insights into the skills and competencies required to succeed in the modern IT and BPM landscape.

The success of the event was made possible through the collective efforts of academic staff and a committed group of student volunteers from the Faculty of Technology, whose enthusiasm and dedication ensured the smooth organization of all activities.

This initiative reflects the university’s continued commitment to strengthening industry–academia collaboration and equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and exposure needed to thrive in the global digital workforce.