Virtusa opens UK operations centre

Virtusa Corporation, a global provider in IT consulting, technology and outsourcing services opened its UK operations centre in Colombo last week. Director technology and architecture of Virtusa Shanil Fernando said that the new centre is dedicated to Virtusa's UK operations and it will position Virtusa to capitalise on growth opportunities in the UK and European markets.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony, British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Dominick Chilcott said that investment in Colombo supporting activity in UK may expand into the European market more widely. British clients will benefit from this investment as it keeps Virtusa's cost competitive. The British and Sri Lankan labour markets benefit as this investment creates and supports highly skilled well paid jobs in both countries, he said.

Chilcott said that Virtusa's expansion in Sri Lanka is a good testimonial for Sri Lanka. "A globally savvy, no nonsense business like Virtusa would not expand its operations here if the conditions were not conducive. But Sri Lanka needs to attract more companies such as Virtusa to operate from here, Chilcott said.

One of the major constraints that prevents more global activity from being based in Sri Lanka is the shortage of graduates who speak good English. However, the good news is that the Government is responding to the need to improve overall levels of English in the country. Government schools are beginning to teach certain subjects in English, which is the best way to become fluent, Chilcott said. The British High Commissioner said that the British Council is working with the Government to increase the number of teachers and raise their standard.

GW