The 27th edition of the National ICT Awards (NBQSA) 2025, organized by the BCS Charted Institute of IT, Sri Lanka Section, concluded with a distinguished ceremony on 10th October at the Grand Marquee, Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo, celebrating the nation’s most innovative minds and outstanding achievements in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry.
This prestigious annual event, reaching almost three decades in recognition of digital innovation, has become Sri Lanka’s premier platform for recognizing excellence and creativity in ICT. The 2025 edition once again showcased how local talent and technology are driving the nation toward a digitally empowered future.
The awards ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Hon. Chathuranga Abesekara, Deputy Minister for Development and Entrepreneurship, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. G. Pradeep Saputhanthri and Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala along with many senior government officers and Industry leaders.
The continuous partnership of numerous enterprises fueled the series of events. NBQSA organizing committee wishes to express its profound gratitude to all sponsors, and valued partners who have been instrumental in making this milestone event a resounding success. Visa, the exclusive partner, led the way with unwavering support. BPC, the platinum sponsor,
Cisco-Inflow and Microimage, the gold sponsors, were all generously supporting this national endeavor.
ESU, Cryptogen, Lk Domain, LankaPay joined as Special Awards partners while IIT – official facility partner, StemCore Asia – Official digital Solution Partner and In Talent Asia – Talent support partner joined in silver category with their service contributions and Barista – the Official coffee partner came in this year from the non-ICT business fraternity.
CSSL, FIITIS, SLASSCOM, SLIC (the national partner), and IEEE Computer Society Sri Lanka Chapter partnered from the ICT industry professional bodies.
NBQSA was initiated in 1998 to recognize the most outstanding ICT products created and achievements of Sri Lankan individuals and organizations who have contributed to the development of ICT. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to encompass software, hardware, communication technologies, processes, and people. Its objectives include providing recognition, gaining international recognition for locally developed ICT products, and improving the quality of local ICT products and services to compete in the international marketplace.
In a strategic move, under the chairmanship of Mr. Vajeendra S Kandegamage, the National ICT Awards partnered with Digital Economy Ministry with National Digital Economy Acceleration Initiative. This collaboration aims to further strengthen the achievements of the country’s social and digital economic objectives, aligning perfectly with NBQSA’s vision of the future.
“This year’s competition saw a record number of entries across categories including artificial intelligence, fintech, data analytics, e-government, health tech, and sustainability-driven digital innovation. The diversity and quality of participants truly reflect the rapid digital transformation taking place across Sri Lanka’s public and private sectors,” said Prof. Lasith Gunawardena, Honorary Secretary, BCS, the chartered institute for IT, Sri Lanka Section and Chairman of the panel of Judges -NBQSA 2025.
With over 40 categories for tertiary education institutes, commercial organizations, groups, and individuals, NBQSA awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit Awards for the best ICT products.
Adding to the prestige of the event, the Most Outstanding ICT Contributor Award was presented to Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarna, Founder and CEO of WSO2, for his remarkable contribution to Sri Lanka’s ICT landscape and for positioning the nation on the global technology map through his pioneering work in open-source software and digital platforms.
Furthermore The Female Tech Blazer of the Year Award was presented to Major Ama Jayaweera from the Sri Lanka Army, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions toward advancing technology and digital innovation within the ICT landscape of Sri Lanka.
InCelebration of Excellence and Collaboration, the highlight of the night was the recognition of the Overall Winners of NBQSA 2025, honoring the most outstanding digital solutions developed by Sri Lankan innovators:
Overall Gold Winner was BOC Flex by PayMedia (Pvt.) Ltd.
Overall Silver Winner was Bank2U – Financial Inclusivity Backbone by Epic Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. Overall Bronze Winner was Gold Cash by People’s Leasing & Finance PLC
“With over 104 awards presented across multiple categories, the event celebrated the passion, creativity, and excellence of individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s ICT industry.” – Stated the Project Chair, Mr. Isuru Sirinimal.
NBQSA has also fostered international connections, representing Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA), bringing home recognition and business opportunities to the local ICT industry. This year, the winners will represent Sri Lanka at APICTA 2025, to be held in December, at Kaohsiung City, Taipei.
As the 27th edition ended, the BCS Sri Lanka Section reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, driving collaboration, and supporting Sri Lanka’s transformation into a knowledge-based digital economy.
