HUTCH and SLIIT Partner to Empower Sri Lankan Undergraduates Under Future Connect Programme

Working to bridge gaps between academics and real-world corporate experience, HUTCH, under its Future Connect programme, has partnered with the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) to equip undergraduates with the technical and professional skills necessary to thrive in today’s evolving job market. This collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on the 30th of January 2025, is designed to provide students with valuable corporate exposure and insights into key disciplines such as Data Analytics, IT, Networking, Finance, and HR, preparing them for successful careers in their respective fields. 

Commenting on the partnership, Mangala Bandara – General Manager at HUTCH said, “This collaboration with SLIIT reaffirms our commitment to empowering Sri Lanka’s aspiring professionals by helping to better align university education with the evolving demands of industry. Through these sessions, HUTCH has been able to share hands-on insights with students and give them exposure to industry best practices, which has provided them with a deeper understanding of the industry and the career opportunities within it. As a leading telco in Sri Lanka, we believe that investing in education and skills development is essential for driving long-term success and sustainability.”

Prof. Nimal Rajapakse - Senior Deputy Vice - Chancellor & Provost of SLIIT stated, “The collaboration between academia and industry plays a crucial role in equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, preparing them to excel in the workforce. We are delighted to partner with HUTCH in this endeavour and are confident that this collaboration will continue to create valuable opportunities for our students while contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s IT and business landscape.”

Having facilitated meaningful engagement between students and the corporate sector, through this and various other initiatives, HUTCH continues to position itself as a key enabler of professional development in Sri Lanka. This initiative thus underscores the network’s dedication to building an educated and skilled workforce that can contribute to the country’s broader economic aspirations. With more such sessions and activities planned for the future, HUTCH remains committed to providing students with real opportunities to understand what the industry is looking for so they can tailor their skillsets accordingly.

About HUTCH Sri Lanka

HUTCH Sri Lanka, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings (CKHH), is a major player in the Sri Lankan telecom industry. CKHH, a Hong Kong-based Fortune 500 conglomerate, operates in over 50 countries across six sectors, including Telecommunications, and reported revenues nearing USD 60 billion in 2023.

Entering the Sri Lankan market in 1997, HUTCH has grown significantly, launching GSM services in 2004, 3G in 2011, and 4G in 2018. The 2019 acquisition of Etisalat Sri Lanka further strengthened its market presence, enabling it to serve customers on both 078 and 072 prefixes. Currently, HUTCH’s 4G network covers 95% of Sri Lanka's population, and the company is 5G-ready to support the nation’s digital aspirations.

With affordable, reliable connectivity, HUTCH serves as a key driver in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications growth, expanding access to communication, business efficiency, and entertainment across even the most remote regions.