'Beyond the Code' - beyond the norm

by Aravinda Dassanayake

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa has embarked on an innovative conference annual general meeting, in keeping with its reputation of being the pioneer of the ICT field in Sri Lanka.

The Department of CSE believes in sharpening knowledge with the rest of the community. The Computer Science and Engineering Society (CS&ES), which is the organising body of the conference at their focuses on incorporating novel ideas to this annual event which benefits the community at large.

In the past the CS&E has organised additional events such as exhibitions and panel discussions etc. with the objective of increasing the co-operation between the IT industry and academia, and thereby enriching local talent.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Panel Discussion held at last year's event Shaping the Future of IT Education for the need of Tomorrow', turned out to create an excellent forum among the industrial leaders, professionals and the academia.

This year the mega event which will be held on the 17th of July, 2007 at the Galle Face Hotel from 1.00 p.m. onwards, under the theme Beyond the Code: IT Entrepreneurship', is aimed at spurring the entrepreneurial spirit of the ICT community in Sri Lanka.

This is a timely move which echoes the dire need of our country to produce job creators rather than mere job seekers. What does this truly mean. The IT industry in Sri Lanka, unlike the other fields of the country has a significant advantage as a result of the employees of the organizations live up to the stereotype that Asians are intelligent.

The IT industry is a place where you can create wonders by using the magnificent brain power and innovative excellence that you are bestowed with.

These magnificent minds, honed by the proper managerial skills can undoubtedly revolutionise the IT industry of the country, taking the Sri Lankan identity to higher grounds in the worldwide IT arena.

Therefore, the event is looking at the future of the industry in a novel point of view, which would change the conventional approach of hunting for jobs after obtaining the degree to a scenario where the graduate can contribute more towards the betterment of the country with relevance to the industry, while being able to unleash his/her potential to the maximum.

The event will comprise of two parallel tracks namely the Corporate Track, and the Academic Track.

This model is selected since the concept that the CS&E is hoping to establish, needs to address the personalities who are currently working in the industry as well as the future cream of the industry on different perspectives.

The conference will consist of speeches by well renowned leaders and trailblazing entrepreneurs in the industry. The organizers objective is to inspire IT professionals towards being entrepreneurs while escalating young undergraduates technical expertise and aiding to change the perception in achieving the best quality in IT.

Mr. Linson Joesph, Channel Platform Manager, South Asia, Intel will be the keynote speaker and Dr. Hans Wijesuriya - CEO, Dialog Telekom Ltd, Mr. Moksevi Prelis - CEO, DFCC Bank, Mr. Jayant ha Fernando - Legal Advisor, ICTA and Mr. Harshana Dassanayake HR Executive, Dialog Telekom will be speaking as confirmed so far. Few more speakers are to be added to the list after receiving confirmation.

The target audience for the Corporate Track encompasses leaders in the IT industry and academia, whereas the Academic Track includes personnel in the secondary and tertiary education in Sri Lanka, students. All other stakeholders of the IT industry in Sri Lanka are invited by CS&E to be part of this remarkable event and join hands to make the difference.

More information of the event can be found on the official website of the CS&E under the URL www.mrt.ac.lk/cses.