Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), recently announced that they have strengthened their technological facilities and capabilities with the help of VMware Horizon to become the first institution in Sri Lanka to introduce virtual learning labs with the help of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). SLIIT has been at the forefront in introducing immersive technology in academics to enhance learning experiences for students; they were the first to implement a virtual interactive lecturing platform and conduct online assessments since Covid-19.

Implementing VMware Horizon has enabled SLIIT to introduce virtual learning labs to help IT students test practical experiments in a virtual lab environment after developing them in the physical labs. SLIIT is one of the largest private education centres in Sri Lanka and is known as a leader in its efforts of applying technology to education, placing an emphasis on elevating hands-on and inclusive learning experiences through tech innovation.

With the introduction of virtual labs, SLIIT is one step ahead in reaching their digital ambition of providing a more conducive and robust technology platform by simplifying their cloud management and reducing cost and maintenance while also delivering high capabilities of cloud performance. The new technological advancements have also helped SLIIT to facilitate growth by increasing computer labs inside the facility to 1500+ and creating a flexible and agile hybrid cloud-hosted platform.

Standing left to right: Mr. Asela Kariyavasam - Senior Manager Sales – KBSL Information Technologies Ltd, Mr. Ehantha Sirisena – Chief Executive Officer – KBSL Information Technologies Ltd, Mr. Chaminda Bandara – Director - Information Technology – SLIIT, Prof. Chandimal Jayawardena – Professor / Dean- Faculty of Computing – SLIIT, Prof. Lalith Gamage – President / CEO - SLIIT, Ms. Shehani Silva – Territory Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mr. Chinthaka Lakshman – Senior Solutions Engineer – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mr. Regie Yogendran - Senior Technology Consultant – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mr. Manula Koswatte – Assistant Manager – Presales – KBSL Information Technologies Ltd, Ms. Suzette Lorenza – Sales Operations Executive – KBSL Information Technologies Ltd

“We understand the need for the education sector to advance in digitalization to stay competitive and relevant. With VMware we were able to implement virtual tools and platforms to provide a more comprehensive and enriching experience to the students as well as the teachers and the extended faculty. We are continually striving to ensure a seamless and flexible movement of our workloads across the network as well as achieve the agility and scalability that we need to keep up with the heavy use of cloud computing as we navigate through our digital transformation journey.” said Chaminda Lewke Bandara, Director, IT, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.

With the use of VMware Horizon, SLIIT has successfully established capabilities for hands-on and inclusive learning online with automated scheduling, streamlined digital lab and assessment experiences and deployed engaging hands-on learning labs across various IT domains such as programming, multimedia and cybersecurity to enable students to learn from anywhere remotely.

“SLIIT’s efforts and forward-thinking initiatives in embracing immersive technology have been paving the way for the education sector in Sri Lanka to embrace innovation and transformation amidst many challenges. Through this partnership, VMware will be able to facilitate a dynamic and engaging learning experience for the students by empowering them to work efficiently, effectively and remotely with the help of virtual desktops,” said Venkatesh Murali, General Manager and Country Leader, Nascent Markets and Vietnam.