Sri Lanka’s most innovative technology solutions, pioneering entrepreneurs and digital trailblazers were celebrated at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards (SNIA) 2026, held recently at the ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, technology professionals, academia and innovators from across the country.
SLASSCOM Chairperson Shehani Seneviratne highlighted the importance of fostering innovation-driven growth and creating opportunities for Sri Lankan talent to compete on a global stage and reaffirmed SLASSCOM’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant technology ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, startups and enterprises to drive sustainable economic growth.
SLASSCOM Vice Chair and SNIA Committee Chair Haridhu Abeygoonaratne outlined that the awards journey encompassed a comprehensive multi-stage evaluation process, with submissions assessed through provincial and national judging rounds by expert panels. Supported by independent compliance oversight, the program ensured credibility, consistency, and integrity in recognising Sri Lanka’s most outstanding innovations.
Chief Guest Deputy Digital Economy Minister (Eng.) Eranga Weeraratne, commending the winners, reaffirmed the Government’s vision of building a US$ 5 b digital economy by 2030 through strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), enhanced digital governance, secure digital identity systems, and inclusive access to technology. He highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, strengthening digital infrastructure, advancing artificial intelligence capabilities, and creating a digitally empowered society. He noted that initiatives like the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards play a vital role in nurturing innovation, recognising local talent, and enabling solutions with meaningful local and global impact.
The awards segment unveiled diverse categories, bold innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and impactful technology solutions
Apola AI from Zahira College won ‘Best Innovative Product’ in the school category and SLIIT’s An Intelligent System for Coastal Erosion Forecasting and Resilient Infrastructure Planning secured ‘Best Innovative Product’ in the university category.
In the Best Start-up category, Scaling NOVALITH® – The World’s First Passive AI Pregnancy Guardian by Amor Developers Ltd. emerged Winner, while Dr. Dhanushi Thathsara of Ophtha Innovations Ltd. was named ‘Woman Technopreneur of the Year’.
Xians.ai – An Agentic AI Platform for Autonomous Workflow Orchestration by 99x Technology Ltd. secured ‘Best Innovation in Internal Processes, Technology or Framework; and Hiru TV’s AI-powered end-to-end TV News Streamline the ‘Best Tech for Good Software Innovation or Product’. In sector awards, Transforming Supply Chains to Value Chains by Spectrify AI won Agri-tech, StudyFly by Expo Visa Services Ltd. won Edu-tech, FinSphere by Unique Infotech Solutions Ltd. won Fintech and Banking, and FreightSense – AI Freight Mode Recommendation Agent by MAS Legato won Transportation and Logistics.
In Manufacturing, AI-Powered Multi-Layer Band Coating Inspection System by Sundaram Lanka Tyres Ltd. was awarded winner, while DiabSense by Excel Tech Consulting Ltd. was the winner for Health Tech.
Expo Visa Services Ltd.’s EZ Visa bagged another award for E-commerce and Retail, whilst Competitor IQ by Classic Travel Ltd. won Hospitality and Tourism, and novolingo.ai by Mitra Innovation was recognised in the General category.
Automation of electricity billing with SMART Metres by Lanka Electricity Company Ltd. was awarded to the Government, highlighting digital transformation in public utilities.
Nation Trust Bank (NTB) was the Corporate Sponsor and ZOHO the Strategic Sponsor. The event was further strengthened by Sysco LABS (Best Innovative Product – University), Innodata (Best Innovation in Internal Processes, Technology or Framework – RPA), Vital Hub (Best Innovative Product – School), and Frontwalker (Best Start-up and Best Innovative Product in Government) as Category Sponsors, with Munchee serving as Official Snack Partner.
The event was also supported by Deloitte as Process and Governance Partner, alongside the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Digital Economy, and Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development as National Partners. Ecosystem partners included the Export Development Board (EDB), CSSL, FITIS, IEEE, ACCA, Lanka Angel Network (LAN), Hatch, nVentures, TRACE, AMCHAM, National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), AICPA-CIMA, NCIT, Fintech Association of Sri Lanka, and the Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (EASL).