Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone in its technology sector as 48 local technology small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been selected to participate in India's prestigious NASSCOM DISHA Mentorship Programme. This landmark development makes Sri Lanka the first country outside India to host the flagship initiative, opening new doors for the island nation's growing tech industry and strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
What Is the NASSCOM DISHA Mentorship Programme?
The NASSCOM DISHA Mentorship Programme is a flagship initiative launched by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India's premier trade association representing the technology industry. The programme is specifically designed to support and accelerate the growth of technology-driven small and medium enterprises by connecting them with experienced industry mentors, global networks, and strategic business development resources.
DISHA, which translates to "direction" in several South Asian languages, lives up to its name by providing participating companies with clear guidance on scaling operations, improving product development, accessing new markets, and building sustainable business models. The programme has already proven its value across India's diverse tech ecosystem, and its expansion to Sri Lanka signals a broader regional ambition to nurture South Asian technology talent and enterprise.
Sri Lanka Makes History as First International Host
The selection of 48 Sri Lankan tech SMEs marks a historic first for the NASSCOM DISHA programme. Until now, the initiative had operated exclusively within India, supporting domestic technology companies across various cities and innovation hubs. Sri Lanka's inclusion represents a deliberate and strategic expansion of the programme's geographic footprint, recognizing the country's rapidly maturing technology sector and its potential to contribute meaningfully to the broader South Asian digital economy.
This achievement reflects the confidence that NASSCOM and its partners have placed in Sri Lanka's technology ecosystem. The country has been steadily building its reputation as a competitive technology outsourcing and innovation destination, with a growing pool of skilled software engineers, a supportive startup culture, and increasing government investment in digital infrastructure.
What This Means for Sri Lankan Tech SMEs
For the 48 selected companies, participation in the NASSCOM DISHA programme offers a range of transformative opportunities. These businesses will gain access to structured mentorship from seasoned technology industry leaders, many of whom have guided companies through the complexities of scaling in competitive global markets.
Beyond mentorship, the programme provides exposure to NASSCOM's extensive network of technology firms, investors, and innovation partners across India and internationally. This access can prove invaluable for Sri Lankan SMEs looking to forge partnerships, attract investment, or expand their client base beyond the domestic market. In a global technology landscape where networks and relationships often determine success, this kind of connectivity can be a game-changer for emerging companies.
Participants will also benefit from workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and tailored business development support that address the specific challenges faced by technology SMEs in growing economies. From refining product-market fit to navigating regulatory environments in export markets, the programme equips companies with practical tools and insights that can accelerate their growth trajectories.
Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Technology Ties
The expansion of the NASSCOM DISHA programme to Sri Lanka is also a reflection of the deepening technology and economic relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Both countries share strong historical, cultural, and economic bonds, and the technology sector has increasingly become a new frontier for bilateral cooperation.
India's technology industry, one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, has much to offer Sri Lanka in terms of expertise, market access, and collaborative innovation. Conversely, Sri Lanka's competitive talent pool and growing reputation as a technology services hub make it an attractive partner for Indian companies seeking regional expansion or collaboration.
Initiatives like NASSCOM DISHA serve as powerful soft diplomacy tools, building people-to-people and business-to-business connections that strengthen long-term economic partnerships. The programme's arrival in Sri Lanka is expected to catalyze further collaboration between the two nations' technology sectors in the years ahead.
A Boost for Sri Lanka's Economic Recovery and Digital Ambitions
Sri Lanka's technology sector has emerged as a critical pillar in the country's broader economic recovery strategy following the financial challenges of recent years. The government and private sector have both identified technology exports and digital services as key growth engines, and international recognition through programmes like NASSCOM DISHA provides important validation and momentum.
The selection of 48 SMEs for this prestigious programme demonstrates that Sri Lankan technology companies are ready to compete and collaborate on the regional and global stage. With the right mentorship, networks, and resources now within reach, these companies are well-positioned to scale their operations, create employment, and contribute to Sri Lanka's digital economy ambitions.
As Sri Lanka writes this new chapter in its technology story, the NASSCOM DISHA programme stands as a powerful symbol of regional cooperation, entrepreneurial ambition, and the transformative potential of the country's technology sector.