Curtin Alumni Sri Lanka Hosts Insightful Panel on AI, Employment, and Skills Development
In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, the Curtin University Alumni Sri Lanka Chapter convened an evening of profound conversation and collaboration to examine how these shifts are shaping the future of work. Held on the 26th of June at NH Collection (Mövenpick) in Kollupitiya, the Senior Alumni Conference Event brought together an influential group of professionals and alumni to explore employment trends, the corporate implications of AI, and the growing concern around the graduate skills gap in Sri Lanka.
The event featured an engaging panel discussion with three respected industry leaders who brought rich perspectives to the table. Indika De Zoysa, Strategic Adviser at Huawei Technologies Lanka Co. Ltd, addressed how AI is reshaping business processes, decision-making, and strategic operations. He emphasized the urgency for both government and private stakeholders to invest in digital readiness and workforce adaptation. Dulani Nissanka, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abans Group, spoke on the widening divide between academic qualifications and workplace demands. She called for stronger linkages between educational institutions and industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the practical skills necessary to thrive in the evolving corporate environment. Anika Williamson, Director at JAT Holdings PLC, offered insight into how Sri Lankan businesses are balancing innovation and tradition in an age of automation, underscoring the importance of ethical AI integration and future-focused talent development.
The event was more than a formal discussion, it was a vibrant gathering of minds committed to shaping a better future for Sri Lanka’s workforce. The atmosphere was energized by the presence of Curtin alumni from diverse sectors, many of whom seized the opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and contribute their own experiences. Conversations ranged from curriculum innovation to the role of continuous learning in sustaining employability, and from the rise of digital entrepreneurship to the responsibilities of leadership in an AI-driven economy.
The spirit of the evening was one of collaboration and shared purpose. The audience, composed of senior professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders, actively engaged with the panel, raising thoughtful questions and offering observations based on their own industry realities. What emerged was a shared consensus on the need for agile thinking, cross-sector partnerships, and policy-level support to ensure Sri Lanka’s human capital remains competitive in the face of global disruption.
Reflecting on the event, one of the panelists expressed how rewarding it was to be part of such a meaningful exchange. Serving as a speaker alongside industry stalwarts and contributing to the collective vision for Sri Lanka’s employment future was, in their words, a true honor. The evening demonstrated not only the calibre of Curtin alumni in Sri Lanka but also the strength of the network when it comes together with a common goal.
The event’s success is also a credit to the hard work of the organizing committee. Special appreciation goes to Eranga Kurukulaarachchi, Kusan Edirisinghe, Sahas Gunasekara, and the entire team who ensured the evening was seamless and impactful. Their commitment to creating spaces for alumni engagement and leadership development was clearly evident in the positive energy and professional execution of the event.
As the evening concluded, there was a clear sense that this was just the beginning. With challenges ahead and opportunities unfolding rapidly in the age of AI, forums like these are essential. They help bridge the gap between education and employment, between aspiration and action, and between knowledge and real-world change. The Curtin University Alumni Sri Lanka Chapter has set a strong precedent with this event, and many are hopeful that more such dialogues will follow.
