When we think about global software hubs, places like Silicon Valley or India dominate the conversation. Rarely is Sri Lanka mentioned as a major player in the tech world. However, Yohan Liyanage, CEO and Co-Founder of Altrium is starting to change that perception, putting Sri Lanka’s talent firmly on the map. From navigating the complexities of a startup environment to leading pioneering tech projects, Yohan is reshaping the narrative and bringing Sri Lankan engineers to the forefront of global innovation.
A Visionary Beginning: From Employee to Entrepreneur
Yohan’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a deep passion for software engineering, honed over years of experience in the field. He was never satisfied with the status quo, always searching for ways to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact. During his time at a leading tech firm, he recognized a glaring issue: despite the abundance of talent in Sri Lanka, opportunities for engineers were scarce.
“We have an amazing talent pool,” Yohan reflects, “but the challenge has always been that only a handful of companies provide the right exposure. Engineers often feel stuck doing redundant work even in the largest firms.”
This realization became the driving force behind the birth of Altrium in 2022. His vision for Altrium was to create a platform for Sri Lankan engineers to thrive and position them at the forefront of critical decision-making for global clients.
Harnessing Sri Lankan Talent: Passion and Commitment at the Core
Yohan is deeply proud of the engineers he works with. “Sri Lankan engineers are unique,” he says. “When they commit to something, they give it their all, often going above and beyond what’s expected.” He recounts a moment when a client told him, “Your team cares more about my project than my own people do!”
At the heart of Altrium’s ethos is the belief that engineers should not merely execute code but also take on leadership and decision-making roles. This approach has been a key differentiator for the company, enabling its engineers to lead global projects for clients serving prestigious brands such as Adobe, Audi, and AT&T. “Our engineers are solution architects,” Yohan says. “Their involvement in decision-making has been a game changer.”
By empowering his team to take charge of the projects they work on, Altrium has carved out a unique niche in the software development industry. It’s not just about providing services—it’s about shaping the future of technology through Sri Lankan ingenuity.
Pioneering Technological Advancements: Staying Ahead in Gen AI and Vertical SaaS
One of Altrium’s most significant achievements is its work in developing cutting-edge technology solutions. The company has been a leader in creating vertical SaaS platforms and pioneering generative AI solutions. Yohan is passionate about ensuring that Altrium’s innovations are not just trendy but truly impactful, aligning with clients’ strategic business goals.
A standout project for Altrium has been the development of the world’s first vertical SaaS platform for the insurance industry, which gained significant attention even before securing its Series A funding. This platform harnessed AI in multiple ways to drastically reduce the time customers spend on tasks, in some cases achieving a 6000% improvement in efficiency. Altrium has also been at the forefront of Generative AI development, transitioning concepts from research to production at a speed few companies have matched. “Our philosophy is that AI shouldn’t be a specialized skill,” Yohan explains. “Just as every engineer today knows how to use a database, in the future, every engineer should know how to integrate and work with AI tools.”
By equipping its engineers with advanced AI skills, Altrium stays ahead of the curve, delivering real-world solutions that are both functional and innovative. One notable example is “Billie,” an AI chatbot that went from concept to launch in under two months, winning a global innovation award. Yohan, personally contributed to the code alongside the team, reinforcing the idea that the best tech companies are led by hands-on technologists.
Giving Back from Day One: Together with Altrium
Despite being a relatively young company, Altrium has made corporate social responsibility (CSR) a core part of its identity. To formalize this commitment, the company created “Together with Altrium,” its dedicated CSR arm. For Yohan, giving back to the community isn’t something to be delayed until a company reaches profitability—it’s a value that should be ingrained from the very beginning. “If you’re going to give for genuine reasons, you give from day one,” Yohan says.
Altrium allocates 1% of its topline revenue to CSR initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Sri Lanka’s rural areas. One of Yohan’s passions is ensuring that children outside of Colombo are exposed to opportunities in technology at an early age. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of engineers,” he explains. “It’s not about entering software for money, but for the passion and the impact they can make.”
A notable initiative was Altrium’s donation to the National Hospital in Colombo, made just months after the company’s founding, during one of Sri Lanka’s most challenging periods. This gesture reflected Altrium’s commitment to its community, even in its early stages. A long-standing partnership with the Colombo North Center for Liver Disease has also enabled the government institution to establish dedicated pediatric operating theaters, significantly contributing to saving lives.
A Strong Company Culture: Retaining and Nurturing Talent
Altrium’s rapid growth, both in headcount and revenue, is a testament to its success in attracting top talent. Yohan attributes much of this to the company’s culture—a culture where employees are empowered to make decisions and have fun while doing it. “We work hard, but our company culture is legendary,” Yohan says with a laugh.
Altrium fosters a balanced work environment, combining intense focus with team-building activities while prioritizing employee well-being. “Profits are important,” says Yohan, “but so is taking care of your team.” The company allocates funds for entertainment, and professional development, and offers a profit-sharing program, returning 10% of distributable profits to employees. This approach ensures that staff feel valued, recognizing their dedication as the key to Altrium’s and its clients’ success.
Looking to the Future: Big Plans and Bold Moves
Looking ahead, Yohan has ambitious plans for Altrium. He envisions the company playing a pivotal role in the global software industry, with Sri Lankan talent leading the way. “We have big plans,” he says, “and while I can’t share all the details, we’re working on some exciting product concepts that could revolutionize the HR space with the help of AI.”
In the next five years, Yohan hopes to see Altrium continue its rapid growth, solidifying its place as a global tech powerhouse. With the talented team he has assembled, there’s no doubt that Altrium is on the path to achieving that goal. “We’re just getting started,” Yohan says confidently.
Yohan Liyanage’s journey as CEO of Altrium is a powerful example of what can be achieved with vision, passion, and a deep commitment to both people and technology. Altrium may have begun as a small company, but it has already made an outsized impact under Yohan’s leadership—and the best is yet to come.