The Colombo Business Analytics Forum 2024, Sri Lanka’s premier platform for business analytics, successfully concluded on August 14, 2024, at Jasmine Hall, BMICH, Colombo. Organized by the Society of Business Analytics (SOBA) from the Faculty of Business at the University of Moratuwa, this year’s forum centered around a timely and impactful theme:
“Driving Digital Transformation in Sri Lankan Businesses: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond.”
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The primary objective of the forum was to connect technology-seeking companies with technology service providers, creating a collaborative space where innovation meets industry needs. Moreover, the event provided a valuable platform for Business Analytics undergraduates to showcase their skills, projects, and creative solutions, directly engaging with industry leaders and technology experts.
Expert Insights from Industry Leaders
The forum was enriched by the presence of renowned speakers and panelists, each offering expert perspectives on how business analytics and digital transformation can redefine the Sri Lankan business landscape.
Featured Speakers:
- Dinesh Sathischandra, Lead – Data Science & Engineering, MAS Holdings
- Chamil Wijenayake, CEO & Co-founder, WIA Systems
- Chamikara Perera, Director – Sales, Altria Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
- Darshan Gunawardena, Director – Engineering, Deloitte, Sri Lanka & Maldives
- Ishari Siriwardane, General Manager – Digital Transformation, Sri Lanka Telecom
- Nisthar Cassim, Editor-in-Chief, Daily FT, Wijeya News Papers Ltd.
Each session delved into practical applications of business analytics, addressing both opportunities and challenges faced by Sri Lankan businesses in their digital transformation journeys.
Thought-Provoking Discussions and Workshops
The forum featured panel discussions and interactive workshops that sparked important conversations around:
- Innovative technology solutions for driving business transformation.
- The critical role of data analytics in making informed business decisions.
- Effective collaborations between academia and industry to bridge Sri Lanka’s technology gap.
These discussions reinforced the importance of building data-driven cultures across industries, while emphasizing the need for continuous learning and technology adoption.
Showcasing Student Talent and Innovation
A standout feature of CBA Forum 2024 was the active involvement of Decision Science students from the University of Moratuwa. These students presented research and development projects that tackled real-world business challenges using analytics and digital tools. Their work demonstrated the future-ready talent emerging from the university, highlighting the importance of nurturing young minds for Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
Powered by Strong Partnerships
The success of the CBA Forum 2024 was made possible by the support of key partners and sponsors, including:
- Title Partner: WIA Systems
- Diamond Partner: MAS Holdings
In addition, several other industry collaborators lent their support, reinforcing the collective commitment to advancing business analytics and digital innovation in Sri Lanka.
Event Highlights in Focus
The forum was not only about speeches and presentations — it was a vibrant hub for networking, idea-sharing, and showcasing technology. Among the key highlights were:
- Interactive Q&A sessions, where participants directly engaged with industry experts.
- Networking opportunities, fostering new partnerships between companies, academics, and students.
- Technology exhibitions, where leading companies displayed cutting-edge analytics solutions designed to solve pressing business challenges.
Looking Ahead: Beyond 2024
The resounding success of Colombo Business Analytics Forum 2024 marks yet another milestone in Sri Lanka’s analytics journey. It emphasized the critical role of data-driven insights and digital innovation in building resilient, future-ready businesses.
As SOBA continues to drive impactful initiatives, the forum stands as a powerful reminder that collaboration between industry and academia is essential to accelerate digital transformation in Sri Lanka.
We invite all stakeholders—business leaders, technology enthusiasts, students, and researchers—to stay connected with SOBA and actively participate in future forums, where ideas turn into action, and action into innovation.
For more information and updates, visit: www.cbaforum.lk
