STEM Link Co-Founder Udara Thewarahannadige Named National First Runner-Up at SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2026

A Little About SLASSCOM and the National Ingenuity Awards

If you're in Sri Lanka's tech space, you already know SLASSCOM. For everyone else SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies) is the national body driving Sri Lanka's IT and BPM industry forward. They're at the forefront of the country's push toward a US$5 billion knowledge economy by 2030, and the work they do to recognize and nurture local innovation is genuinely invaluable.

The SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards (SNIA) is their flagship recognition program now in its 8th edition. Every year, it brings together the country's brightest innovators, boldest startups, and most impactful tech solutions under one stage. This year, over 300 applications poured in from across all nine provinces, competing across 16 award categories spanning Fintech, Edutech, Healthtech, Agritech, Logistics, and more. The ceremony was held on 16th June 2026 at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.

Among the most meaningful categories is the Woman Technopreneur of the Year a dedicated recognition for women who are not just participating in Sri Lanka's tech economy, but actively shaping it.

Why This Means So Much to Us at STEM Link

Udara Thewarahannadige has been a cornerstone of everything we've built at STEM Link. As our Chief Operating Officer, she doesn't just keep the engine running she helps define the direction we're heading. Her ability to balance strategic thinking with a genuine passion for what technology-powered education can do for Sri Lanka's future is something our whole team draws inspiration from.

Being recognized at a Women Technopreneur of the Year 2026 – National Level, First Runner-Up, among Sri Lanka's most accomplished women in tech and entrepreneurship, is a testament to the kind of leader she is and the kind of organization STEM Link is working hard to be.

This wasn't just an award for Udara. It's validation for every late night, every bold decision, and every student whose learning journey we've had the privilege to be part of.

What This Says About the Road Ahead

At STEM Link, we've always believed that the future of Sri Lanka's knowledge economy runs through its people and specifically, through empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Udara's recognition at SNIA 2026 is a signal that that work matters. That it's being seen. And that there's so much more we can do.

As we continue to grow, build, and push the boundaries of STEM education in Sri Lanka, moments like this remind us that we're on the right track.

To Udara from every single person on the STEM Link team congratulations. This one's for all of us .