Global outsourcing destinations:

Sri Lanka ranked among Top 20

The consulting giant, A.T. Kearney's Global Services Location Index (GSLI) identifies the top 50 countries for outsourcing globally. The Global Services Location Index (GSLI), first established in 2004, analyzes and ranks top 50 countries worldwide as the best destinations for providing outsourcing services, including IT services and support, contact centres, and back-office support. Each county's score is composed of a weighted combination of relative scores on 43 measurements, which are grouped into three categories: financial attractiveness, people skills and ability and business environment.

Sri Lanka is ranked number 16 in the index in 2009 comparing to the number 29 position held in 2007. This is a significant jump of 13 positions and only one or two other countries that has this level of upgrade of the ranking. The report was compiled with 2008 data prior to the war ending. With war situation behind Sri Lanka the actual ranking would be even higher now. The report positively stated that Sri Lanka has been promoted the ranks assisted by low costs compared to the rest of the destinations. The combination of high people skills, favourable business environment and low cost enables India, China and Malaysia to be in the top three slots.

"A.T. Kearney Index outlines clearly the potential of the IT/BPO industry in Sri Lanka. As the global economy begins to bounce back, we will have a tremendous opportunity to a share of the global IT/BPO market which is estimated to be over $ 350 billion", said Ranjit Fernando, Chairman of SLASSCOM.

Commenting on the Index, ICT Agency's Chief Operating Officer, Reshan Dewapura mentioned that "the latest A.T. Kearny Index is a clear indication that Sri Lanka is on the correct path to realizing the vision of making the IT/BPO sector the number one foreign exchange earner for the country. The great strides taken by the industry backed by the Government's support and commitment have been major contributory factors in this achievement.

A.T Kearney Global Services Location Index 2009 (Number in parenthesis indicates ranking in 2007 GSLI)

1. India (position in 2007 GSLI: 1), 2. China (2), 3. Malaysia (3), 4. Thailand (4), 5. Indonesia(6), 6. Egypt (13), 7. Philippines (8), 8. Chile (7), 9. Jordan (14), 10. Vietnam (19) 11, Mexico (10), 12. Brazil (5), 13. Bulgaria (9), 14. United States (Tier II)* (21), 15. Ghana (27), 16. Sri Lanka (29), 17. Tunisia (26), 18. Estonia (15), 19. Romania (33), 20. Pakistan (30), 21. Lithuania (28), 22. Latvia (17), 23. Costa Rica (34), 24. Jamaica (32), 25. M Senegal (39), 26. Argentina (23), 27. Canada (35), 28. United Arab Emirates (20), 29. Morocco (36), 30. United Kingdom (Tier II)* (42).