The Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) which was established in 1976 is the apex body representing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals in Sri Lanka. It promotes professionalism among those engaged in the field of ICT, and maintains the highest professional standards among the Information and Communication Technology fraternity.
The CSSL is a member of the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) and International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP). Locally, it is a member of the Organization for Professional Associations (OPA).
The National IT Conference (NITC) is organized by CSSL and has run for 35 years. The National Schools Software Competition (NSSC), which is a nation-wide software competition for school children is also conducted by CSSL.
In 2017, the CSSL organized Sri Lanka’s Biggest-Ever International ICT event which saw 50 countries coming to Sri Lanka to participate in a broad event platform which included the General Assembly of IFIP, SEARCC Conference, NITC and International Schools Software Competition.
CSSL organizes Tech Talks every month for discussion and knowledge-sharing on latest technologies among ICT professionals. The CIO Forum is organized for the same purpose but targets senior professionals such as Chief Information Officers and Heads of IT. The CSSL ICT Awards recognize best performers in the sector. IT Mastermind is a TV Quiz program run by CSSL to popularize ICT among school children and masses.
The CSSL has recently started a social service arm called Little Drops of Water and a tech startup support initiative which includes providing its resources to tech startups.
The CSSL has taken a keen interest on lobbying and policy matters in the recent past. For instance, we were a key stakeholder when it came to recent discussions around Free Trade Agreements between Sri Lanka and other countries. We have also taken a keen interest in latest developments and discussions around social media and the need to maintain those platforms hate free and tackle other negative imperatives, whilst ensuring free access and freedom of speech. In this regard, the CSSL fully supports the work of Social Media Working Group of Sri Lanka.
The CSSL also has taken strong steps forward to strengthen its accreditation processes. It accredits local computing related degrees and is currently working with its Accreditation Board to associate Sri Lanka with Seoul Accord to bring its standards to a global level.
In its rich history of over four decades, CSSL has maintained a professionalism framework. In 2018 it passed a key milestone by establishing the CSSL Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct. This is a localized national professional framework for Sri Lankan ICT professionals.
