This is the orientation speech at SLTC.

1. Becoming a SMART Graduate
Shanta R Yapa
Chief Commercial Officer
Avonet Technologies
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2. 1. Will you have space to
perform?
There are thousands and thousands of graduates and professionals
already working in different industry sectors.
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3. Look at this (partial) list of problems..
• Productivity
• Exports
• High-tech exports
• Migration
• Road accidents
• Floods
• Drugs
• Crimes
• Suicides
• Corruption
• Fertilizer
• Pesticides
• Sugar consumption
• Agriculture waste
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Google search
• Digital divide
• Technology adoption … and the list
continues
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4. 2. Are we using technology
prudently?
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5. The USA example
Beginning of 1900
# 1
85%
Beginning of 2000
# 1
?
3%
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6. Predicted
Desirable
Predicted
Undesirable
Unpredicted
Desirable
Unpredicted
Undesirable
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7. 3. Challenge!
Challenge the taken for granted thinking!
There is always a better way.
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8. Shanta R Yapa - SLTC - Orientation - March 30, 2021 8

9. 4. Keep commercialization in
mind.
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10. Example
• DexCom & Sri Lankan University Innovation
• I helmet
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11. How to prepare?
1. Go beyond what you learn.
2. Study the emerging/trending domains.
3. Understand social/organizational problems.
4. Be ready to deliver from day one.
5. Have a very good understanding about the firms you plan to join.
6. Do projects and build a portfolio to convince your future employer.
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12. I wish you every success!
Shanta R Yapa
Fb/LinkedIn: Shanta Rajapaksha Yapa
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13. Profile - Shanta R Yapa
Industry experience: 35 years in diverse fields of Engineering, Banking, International Business, IT and General Management and at present
works as the Chief Commercial Officer of Avonet Technologies.
Teaching experience: Visiting faculty member teaching business strategy, OB, technology management and research methods in programs of
20 local and overseas universities for 20 years. Visiting resource person of AITE, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.
Publications: Published 8 papers in local research symposiums and local/international journals during the past 3 years. Authored the book
RISING IN CRISIS – Survival & Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Managers, the latest strategy book with over 200+ strategic insights and
brand-new tools.
Current academic affiliations: Member of boards/committees of University of Moratuwa, SLIIT Computing and Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced
Technological Education. Worked as a member of the standing committee for computing of University Grants Commission for 8 years up to
2017.
Current industry affairs: Board Director/ Secretary of ICT Industry Skills Council, A Past President of the Software Chapter of the Federation of
IT Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), Executive council member of the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA), Member of judging panels of NBQSA, APICTA &
CSSL Awards.
FB/ LinkedIn: Shanta Rajapaksha Yapa, Email: shantayapa@gmail.com, M: 0773 908 262
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