Future Connect: HUTCH and SLIIT Empower Students with Hands-On Industry Experience

Fueling the next generation of tech innovators, HUTCH is revolutionizing industry-academic collaboration through its Future Connect initiative. By partnering with SLIIT, HUTCH is not just providing students with real-world exposure it is reshaping how undergraduates engage with networking, cloud infrastructure, and data communication technologies through hands-on, immersive learning experiences.

The first session of the Future Connect Program, held on February 21st at the SLIIT Malabe campus, focused on Networking, Computer Systems, and Cloud Infrastructure Management. Led by Asanga Ranasinghe, Chief Information Officer at HUTCH, the session provided students with insights into industry advancements in Networking, Computer Systems, Cloud Infrastructure infrastructure management, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace expectations.

Building on this momentum, the Future Connect industry visit took place on February 26th at the HUTCH Engineering Complex in Walpola, Ragama. During the visit, students explored critical infrastructure components, including the Network Operations Center (NOC), Data Centers, and Battery Rooms, gaining firsthand exposure to the technologies and processes that ensure seamless network performance.

Speaking on the initiative, Mangala Bandara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs at HUTCH, stated: “At HUTCH, we are dedicated to fostering the next generation of tech professionals by equipping them with industry insights and practical expertise. Through initiatives like Future Connect, we are not only enhancing their technical knowledge but also contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce that will drive Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.”

These sessions reinforce HUTCH’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of Sri Lanka’s evolving technology landscape. By fostering strong industry-academic collaborations, HUTCH continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing digital education and shaping the next generation of ICT professionals.

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.