The Acentura Career Accelerator (ACA) 2022–2023 empowered Sri Lankan undergraduates with real-world IT skills, industry mentorship, and career readiness, shaping the nation’s future tech talent.

Colombo –

The Acentura Career Accelerator (ACA) 2022–2023 closed on a high note this year, with organizers and industry leaders praising it as one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful internship and career-readiness programs to date. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and the IT workforce, the initiative has already produced a strong pipeline of young professionals ready to contribute to the country’s growing digital economy.

Over the past year, ACA brought together universities, employers, and technology experts to prepare undergraduates for real-world roles. Interns worked on projects modeled after client use cases, participated in professional development sessions, and showcased their skills during Demo Day, which connected them with employers across banking, telecom, and software sectors. Organizers described the program as a “national-scale effort to future-proof Sri Lanka’s technology talent.”

Among the mentors who shaped the experience was Shannon Smith, who served as a lead mentor. Known for his expertise in cloud, analytics, and digital transformation, Shannon guided several students and was recognized for creating a collaborative environment where participants felt encouraged to share ideas, build networks, and support each other’s progress. Several mentees credited his guidance with giving them clarity on career choices and confidence to pursue roles in the industry.

Shannon’s community work has also drawn attention. Through the Rajans Lions Club, he has supported digital literacy in rural Sri Lanka, mentoring young people and helping local organizations embrace digital tools to expand their impact.

Industry observers say initiatives like ACA, combined with contributions from professionals such as Shannon, are vital to positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for technology and innovation.