Since assuming his role as Country Manager at Advania Sri Lanka in 2020, Pramuk Fernando has navigated the company through a turbulent series of global and local challenges, positioning Advania Sri Lanka as a trusted offshore partner for clients across Europe. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and innovation in the face of adversity.
The economic and political turbulence in Sri Lanka has impacted nearly every industry, but the tech sector has faced a unique set of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and remote work dynamics, and as Sri Lanka emerged from the pandemic, it plunged into one of its worst economic crises, marked by soaring inflation, fuel shortages, and political instability. This unstable environment has led to a mass exodus of skilled professionals in search of better opportunities abroad, causing what’s known as a “brain drain.” The loss of talent threatens the sustainability of the local tech industry and presents significant challenges for companies like Advania, which rely heavily on skilled labor for their competitive edge.
Under Pramuk’s leadership, however, Advania has taken a proactive approach to this situation. “It’s not about waiting for the environment to improve; it’s about finding ways to thrive within it,” he explains. This mindset has driven him to prioritize retention and the development of a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Rather than retrenching or downsizing in response to challenges, Pramuk has championed a “people-first” approach. From the outset of the pandemic, he made the bold decision to retain the entire workforce, providing financial stability to employees during an incredibly uncertain time. This commitment laid the foundation for a supportive and resilient workplace culture.
Beyond retention, Pramuk’s strategy has focused on long-term employee growth, job security, and career development. He has instituted programs that emphasize upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that employees are not only able to adapt to new technologies but also empowered to innovate and contribute meaningfully. This people-centric approach extends beyond technical training to include initiatives on mental well-being and work-life balance, aspects that are increasingly vital in retaining top talent.
Advania Sri Lanka has evolved from a project team within 99X Technologies into a vital part of the global Advania Group, providing cutting-edge IT managed services and digital transformation solutions to clients across Norway, Iceland, the UK, and beyond. With services ranging from cloud computing to cybersecurity and automation, Advania Sri Lanka is a crucial player in helping clients navigate their digital journeys.
Under Pramuk’s leadership, the company has managed several transformative projects that have enabled clients to leverage advanced technology in new ways. For example, Advania Sri Lanka has supported clients in accelerating their migration to the cloud, a move that has helped businesses reduce costs and improve scalability. They have also developed custom cybersecurity solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs, strengthening their defenses against ever-evolving digital threats. Through these projects, Advania Sri Lanka has proven that it can deliver complex, mission-critical services at a global standard.
Pramuk has a bold vision for the future, one that includes geographic expansion and technological innovation. Advania Sri Lanka is actively exploring opportunities in emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-driven automation. These technologies are expected to play a pivotal role in the next wave of digital transformation, enabling businesses to achieve new levels of operational efficiency and customer engagement.
In terms of markets, Pramuk envisions expanding Advania Sri Lanka’s reach into regions like Australasia, Canada, the U.S., and the Middle East. This expansion would position Advania as a global IT managed service provider capable of delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions across various industries, from finance to healthcare. By further integrating with the global Advania Group, he aims to make Advania Sri Lanka a key contributor to the group’s growth, while adhering to core values of innovation, employee empowerment, and sustainability.
Advania’s response to the brain drain has been strategic and multifaceted. Recognizing the need to nurture and retain talent, Pramuk has introduced various initiatives that focus on employee growth and professional development. Advania Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities for certifications and upskilling, equipping employees with the tools they need to stay competitive in the fast-paced tech industry. Employees have access to specialized training programs in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
Additionally, Advania places a high value on career progression. The company’s structured development programs provide employees with clear paths for advancement, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover. “We want our people to know that their growth is our growth,” says Pramuk. This investment in talent development has allowed Advania to attract and retain some of the brightest minds in the industry, even amid external pressures.
What sets Advania Sri Lanka apart from other tech companies is its strong culture of innovation and collaboration. Pramuk has worked to foster an environment where creativity and autonomy are encouraged, and this culture has become a core part of Advania’s identity. The team is young, tech-savvy, and driven, qualities that have made them adept at tackling complex projects and delivering high-quality solutions.
Advania’s collaborative culture is reinforced by its commitment to transparency and open communication. Regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and one-on-one discussions ensure that every employee feels valued and heard. This culture of openness has been instrumental in building a cohesive, motivated team that is able to work together to solve challenging problems.
The Advania Group operates under the mantra of “never losing a customer,” and this commitment to client success is deeply embedded in Advania Sri Lanka’s operations. The company goes beyond delivering technical solutions to provide clients with a holistic, consultative approach. Pramuk emphasizes that Advania’s success lies not only in its technical expertise but also in its dedication to understanding and addressing clients’ real-world challenges.
This client-centric approach has fostered strong, long-lasting partnerships with clients, some of whom have been with Advania for over a decade. By focusing on building relationships based on trust and mutual success, Advania Sri Lanka has distinguished itself as a reliable, results-oriented partner in the digital transformation journey.
The journey hasn’t been easy, and Pramuk is the first to acknowledge the difficulties that come with operating in a volatile environment. However, he firmly believes in the potential of the Sri Lankan tech industry and the talent within his team. Through a combination of strategic foresight and operational flexibility, he has positioned Advania Sri Lanka to weather the challenges and emerge stronger.
By fostering a culture of resilience, continuous learning, and innovation, Advania Sri Lanka is not only poised to overcome the current economic and political hurdles but also well-prepared to continue its trajectory of growth on the global stage. For Pramuk, the goal is clear: to build a future-ready organization that can thrive amidst adversity and make a meaningful impact on both its clients and the broader industry.