News

IFS Announces new venture in Colombo Port City, promises 1,000 jobs

Published

11 months ago

June 26, 2024

editor

Software giant IFS yesterday announced that it is set to launch a new venture in Colombo Port City, a move expected to create an additional 1,000 new employment opportunities.

IFS CEO Mark Moffat made the announcement delivering the keynote address at the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic development.

Moffat outlined the strategic importance of this new initiative. “This project will generate additional thousands of employment opportunities in the years to come,” he added.

IFS CEO underscored the significant contributions of Sri Lanka to the global success of the enterprise application software company. Despite its Swedish origins, IFS has cultivated a robust and impactful presence in Sri Lanka over the past 25 years.

“IFS’s investment in Sri Lanka has been a cornerstone of its global success, contributing to over 20% compound growth annually for the past six years. The company has created over 10,000 employment opportunities in Sri Lanka over the past quarter-century,” he elaborated.

Moffat attributed much of this success to the “exceptional software engineering talent” and the resiliency and agility of the Sri Lankan workforce.

At present, IFS employs nearly 2,700 people in Sri Lanka, accounting for almost 40% of its global workforce. “Sri Lanka has been integral to our operations. Almost 80% of our worldwide product support and over 60% of our research and development capabilities are based here in Colombo,” he pointed out.

Since its inception in Sri Lanka in 1997 with just 26 employees, Moffat said IFS has expanded significantly. “The company has created over 10,000 employment opportunities in the country, fostering a strong local IT community,” he added.

He reiterated IFS’s dedication to collaborating with the Government, industry and academia to foster a knowledge-based economy in Sri Lanka.

Moffat emphasised the company’s commitment to further growth, announcing plans to add an additional 1,000 positions in the next two to three years.

He also noted that beyond business operations, IFS has been actively involved in supporting rural communities in Sri Lanka through the IFS Foundation, which focuses on initiatives in education and healthcare. “Our influence and engagement extend beyond business operations. We’ve been deliberate in building societal ties through various initiatives, supporting rural communities, schools, and hospitals through the IFS Foundation,” he added.

Moffat acknowledged that despite global and local economic challenges, including the pandemic and recent economic difficulties in Sri Lanka, IFS has maintained its commitment to the country.

“The country and its people are a part of IFS and will always be part of the IFS’s DNA,” Moffat affirmed, expressing pride in long-standing and deep-rooted commitment to Sri Lanka’s development and excitement for the future.

(ft.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by ft.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Legendary actress Malani Fonseka passes away

Published

25 minutes ago

May 24, 2025

editor

Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.

Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.

She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.

Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.

Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

22 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

22 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.