IFS sets up Research Lab at the University of Peradeniya

IT undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya are in for some real-life professional experience with the handing over of the IT research lab in the Computer Engineering Department of the University of Peradeniya. This is yet another initiative undertaken by IFS to strengthen the relationship between Universities and the IT industry to give IT undergraduates the opportunity to undertake research that is applicable to real world IT applications.

IFS staff at the lab

Senior Vice President of the IFS Group, Thomas Petersson attending the inauguration ceremony said, "The R&D Centres in Colombo and Kandy are the largest contributors worldwide to the development and support of IFS Applications. In the fast changing world of business and technology, we understand the necessity for university students to engage in the evolving business practices and related technologies at the early stages of their studies. This can only be achieved through close cooperation between industry and the universities."

IFS is one of the largest software companies in Sri Lanka with some 650 staff working with the development, support, sales and implementation of the world leading component based business solution, IFS Applications.

The R&D Centre in Kandy which was inaugurated in November 2008 has already provided work opportunities for over 40 graduates in computer science and related fields, many of them coming straight from Universities.

"Availability of highly talented graduates led IFS to establish a R&D Centre in Sri Lanka in 1997. It has been very encouraging to experience the rapid growth of the Sri Lanka talent base over the years and this growth encouraged us to strengthen our ties with the universities, said Managing Director of IFS' operations in Sri Lanka, Jonas Bridgwater.

"We work very closely with many universities providing lecturers, equipment, lab facilities, industrial placement opportunities, guest lectures and graduate scholarships to assist the universities to turnout better graduates", said Chief Operating Officer of IFS' operations in Sri Lanka, Ranil Rajapakse. One of the main reasons for IFS to choose Kandy as the location for IFS' second R&D Centre in Sri Lanka is the proximity to the University of Peradeniya. Over the years IFS has collaborated very closely with the University and many graduates from the departments of Computer Science and Computer Engineering are working at IFS.

Pubudu Liyanage, Director Software Development and Manager of the R&D Centre in Kandy said, "Our senior staff will provide research scope to students allowing them the freedom to develop their ideas freely within the defined scope. As the R&D Centre in Kandy is in close proximity to the University of Peradeniya, students will be able to visit the R&D Centre to discuss research progress in person while getting some real time industry exposure."

The Head of the Department of Computer Engineering of the Peradeniya University, Dr. Manjula Sandirigama said, "during their time at the department our students get a solid foundation of knowledge that widen their horizons and prepare them for further learning. They also have some opportunities to apply their knowledge during their industrial training period and other more practical programs.