HUTCH Partners with University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) to Inspire the Next Generation of Tech Talent

In a major step towards cultivating Sri Lanka’s next generation of tech talent, HUTCH has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Computing (FoC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), to provide undergraduates with hands-on exposure to real-world ICT operations, complementing their academic foundation with industry readiness. 

Under this partnership, undergraduates specializing in IT will have access to practical training across critical domains such as ERP systems, network infrastructure, data analytics, and professional development. The initiative includes curated knowledge-sharing sessions led by HUTCH professionals, as well as guided visits to HUTCH data centers, giving students first-hand insight into enterprise-grade ICT environments and the strategic decision-making that sustains them.

This collaboration aligns with HUTCH’s broader vision of contributing to Sri Lanka’s digital advancement by empowering local talent with globally relevant skills. For USJ, the alliance reinforces its commitment to academic excellence by enabling students to translate theory into practice, gaining real-world exposure in parallel with classroom learning.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Mangala Bandara, General Manager – Corporate Affairs at HUTCH, said, “At HUTCH, we believe that the most valuable investment we can make is in people, and this collaboration with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is a testament to that belief. By opening up our resources, infrastructure, and expertise to future graduates, we are not only contributing to their growth but also to the development of a smarter, more capable Sri Lanka.”

Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, added: “This MoU represents a progressive step in how we deliver education in today’s evolving world. Our students will now benefit from direct industry interactions, making them more agile, informed, and employment-ready by the time they graduate. We are delighted to partner with a forward-thinking organization like HUTCH in building this bridge.”

This MoU establishes the foundation for a roadmap of joint initiatives. Both parties intend to expand the program into a sustained cycle of industry engagement, internships, and technology-led learning experiences positioning graduates to thrive in Sri Lanka’s growing digital economy.

Photo Caption - Left to right: Ms. Malshani Hettiarachchi; Mr. Pubudu Jayasekara; Dr. Budditha Hettige; Dr. Nuwan Jayarathna; Dr. Gilmini Geethika; Dr. Dhammika Pieris; Dr. Deepika Seneviratne; Prof. Prasad M. Jayaweera (Dean, Faculty of Computing); Senior Professor Pathmalal M. Manage (Vice Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura); Shakila B. Wijesinghe (Acting Chief Financial Officer, HUTCH); Duminda Gunasinghe (General Manager – Finance Operations, HUTCH); Mangala Bandara (General Manager – Corporate Affairs, HUTCH); Mr. Tharindu Rangana; Ms. S. C. Ganguli.

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.