The momentum towards a robust digital economy is accelerating in Sri Lanka, fuelled by the innovative contributions of young ICT talents. State universities play a key role in this transformation, equipping students with resources and platforms to excel in the rapidly evolving technology sector.
This supportive environment allows Sri Lankan students to showcase their skills on a global stage, demonstrating the country’s growing potential in advancing technology and contributing to the digital economy. Their achievements reflect Sri Lanka’s emerging capabilities and aspirations in the tech world.
Building on this foundation, a team from the University of Moratuwa recently made headlines by securing the second prize in the Practice Competition – Cloud Track 1 at the Huawei ICT Competition 2023–2024 Global Finals. The team, consisting of Sasika Sankalana, Varaki Vakeesan, and Krishihan Raviendran, showcased exceptional talent and dedication throughout the competition.
Their journey began with Sasika Sankalana winning the first place in the national competition’s Cloud Track. Varaki Vakeesan and Krishihan Raviendran also performed impressively, earning the third and sixth places in the national competition. Their success continued as they advanced to the regional competition in Indonesia, where they secured the third place. This achievement paved their way to the global finals in Shenzhen, China, where they faced rigorous challenges at each stage.
The Huawei ICT Competition 2023–2024 Global Finals, hosted in Shenzhen, marked a significant milestone for the event. Over 170,000 students representing more than 2,000 universities and colleges across over 80 countries and regions participated in this year’s competition. It was the largest offline competition since its inception, with over 160 teams from 49 countries advancing from national and regional levels to compete in the global final. The competition featured a series of demanding tests and challenges designed to assess participants’ technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking.
University of Moratuwa Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. N. D. Gunawardena said the students’ success not only reflects their exceptional talent and hard work but also underscores the university’s commitment to fostering an environment where innovation and academic excellence can thrive.
“We are deeply grateful to Huawei for providing this invaluable platform that bridges academia and industry, allowing our students to showcase their skills on a global stage,” he said. Prof. Gunawardena said that such achievements serve as a demonstration to the quality of education and the nurturing environment provided by the university.
Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology B. H. Sudantha said that the students’ journey through the Huawei ICT Competition exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience. “This achievement reflects their hard work, dedication, and the robust academic framework provided by our institution. Initiatives such as Huawei’s have helped young talent in Sri Lanka find their passion and shine on the global stage,” he said.
Huawei Sri Lanka CEO Zhang Jinze said, “The students’ success is not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation. The future of our country is being shaped by these talented and courageous young minds. At Huawei, we are thrilled to witness Sri Lankan students making history and driving progress through the Huawei ICT Competition platform. This achievement is more than a milestone; it is evidence of the potential and resilience of Sri Lanka’s next generation,” he said.
Team leader Sasika Sankalana said, “The Huawei ICT Competition was more than just about winning; it was about learning, collaborating, and pushing our boundaries,” he said. Sankalana highlighted how the platform enhanced his technical skills and broadened his perspective on global collaboration.
