(Commonwealth) _ In a sign of the country’s resurgence, global technology leader Cisco is reaffirming its commitment to serving Sri Lanka’s growing customer base. Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India and SAARC, expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future during her recent visit to Colombo, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “Sri Lanka is now very much on the rebound. There’s a sense of optimism and confidence in the country. It is great to be here and reinstate our commitment to Sri Lanka,” Chittilapilly told in an interview.
Highlighting Cisco’s longstanding presence in Sri Lanka for over 23 years, Chittilapilly emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to the country’s growth and development. Despite facing challenges, Cisco has remained a steadfast partner in Sri Lanka’s journey. Chittilapilly stressed the importance of Sri Lanka as a market for Cisco, noting that the country’s adoption of technology mirrors global trends. She emphasized that Cisco’s innovative technologies, including advancements in security, observability, and automation, are available in Sri Lanka, aligning with the company’s global strategy.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, Chittilapilly underscored the country’s potential to become a digital economy. With a young and digitally savvy population, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the tech sector. In line with this vision, Cisco remains committed to talent development and skilling initiatives in Sri Lanka. Through partnerships with over 20 institutions, Cisco aims to equip the workforce with essential digital skills, particularly in cybersecurity, IoT, and AI.
One of Cisco’s flagship programs, the Network Academy, has trained approximately 90,000 students in Sri Lanka, with a remarkable 100% employability rate among graduates. Chittilapilly emphasized the importance of scaling initiatives that lead to tangible outcomes, such as employment opportunities for trained individuals. Looking ahead, Chittilapilly welcomed Sri Lanka’s collaboration with India on digital initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). She highlighted the potential for Sri Lanka to accelerate its digital transformation, leveraging lessons from India’s successful implementation of digital public infrastructure.
Chittilapilly identified key technology shifts in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and agriculture, driven by innovations in AI and cybersecurity. As these core sectors undergo digital transformation, cybersecurity emerges as a critical consideration embedded in the design of digital infrastructure. Cisco’s renewed commitment to Sri Lanka reflects the country’s resilience and potential for growth in the digital age. With a focus on empowering the workforce and leveraging emerging technologies, Sri Lanka is poised to capitalize on opportunities in the global tech landscape. As the country charts its digital future, partnerships with industry leaders like Cisco will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and sustainable development.
Daisy emphasizes the need for enhanced skills development to effectively manage public sector transformation. Addressing concerns about security in the face of technological advancements, she draws parallels to past resistance against computerization. Daisy, who has served as Managing Director for Cisco’s Digital Transformation Office, sees augmented AI as the current focal point, aimed at relieving humans from repetitive tasks and enhancing productivity. She highlights McKinsey’s estimation of AI’s annual economic value addition, suggesting both job displacement and emergence. Daisy underscores the importance of individuals adapting to working alongside AI for success in the evolving landscape.
Transitioning to sustainability, Daisy notes a shift among large businesses towards accountability in sustainability efforts. Cisco aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, focusing on innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency. Daisy stresses the role of technology in addressing sustainability concerns and promoting better energy utilization and productivity. Daisy emphasizes the responsibility of tech companies in driving inclusive futures, citing Cisco’s commitment to positively impact lives, particularly in the Indian South Asia region. Through initiatives focusing on economic empowerment, women and child welfare, and climate sustainability, Cisco strives to make a meaningful difference in society.
