Unicom TIC

Welcome to Unicom TIC

Where we believe in Skills Today, Success Tomorrow

Unicom TIC is not just a Training and Innovation center; it’s a gateway to your future in technology that’s rich with opportunities. Our commitment lies in making top-notch training and innovation accessible to all. The full program fee per student is LKR 925,000, but don’t worry, we’ve already secured 100% of the funding from the UK to fuel your journey to success.

Join us in building a Sri Lanka where innovation knows no bounds

Here are four compelling reasons why Unicom TIC should be your choice

Industry-Ready Skill Development

Our experienced instructors are not just Lecturers; they’re seasoned professionals with a wealth of knowledge. They employ practical learning methods to ensure you’re well-prepared for the challenges of the real world

Tech-Ready in Months, Not Years​

Within 12 Months, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tech industry. Our intensive curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for a successful career in tech.

100% Scholarship: Full Program Funding

The total course fee per student is LKR 925,000 but rest easy; we’ve already secured 100% of the funding for your program from our generous supporters. Your learning journey is our investment.

Assured Careers: From Classroom to Workplace

We’ve established strong partnerships with tech companies who have guaranteed 100% job placements for all successful students, your career starts the moment you complete the program successfully.

Program Structure

STAGE 1

APPLICATION

Everyone registering an interest will receive an application form. This is designed to evaluate the logical thinking capacity and passion for technology of the applicants.

STAGE 2

WORKSHOPS & INTERVIEWS

Selected candidates from
stage – 1 will be invited to attend a workshop and interview to be held across the regions designed to identify the suitable candidates for the course. All suitable candidates are eligible for 100% Scholarship.

(STARTING FEB 2024)

STAGE 3

TRAINING PROGRAM

Successful candidates from the selection process will be awarded a 100% scholarship to attend
9-month program at our Unicom Tic Training and Innovation Centre in Jaffna. Continuous assessment will be performed during the 9-month period.

(STARTING MARCH 2024)

Meet the Team

Our founding Directors, proud children of Sri Lanka, boast a collective experience of over 80 years in the global IT industry. Their visionary leadership is supported by a team of distinguished professors, accomplished leaders, and tech pioneers from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. They are committed to fostering innovation, industry readiness, and contributing to the local economy’s growth, each member of our team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of tech expertise in Sri Lanka. Get to know the individuals driving Unicom TIC forward and discover the wealth of experience that powers our success.

Shantha Ruban
Co Founder & Executive Director

W. ShanthaRuban, a visionary and an eminent figure acclaimed among the World’s 100 Global Tech Innovators stands as a visionary serial tech entrepreneur and the Founder of 5 tech companies in the UK. He is currently serving as the Group CEO of Programus Limited UK, developing world-class solutions for some of the worlds leading conglomerates, while also shaping the digital landscape with cutting-edge technology.

W. ShanthaRuban’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent is evident in the establishment of Unicom TIC. With a profound understanding of industry dynamics and an unyielding drive for innovation, W. ShanthaRuban is dedicated to shaping a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change in Sri Lanka.

As a registered trustee at Blossom Trust, recognized by the charity commission in England and Wales, W. ShanthaRuban extends his vision, commitment, and dedication to ensuring Unicom TIC’s resources and funds are facilitated for a successful operation.

Dr. Neil Anthony-Pillai
Co Founder & Chief Training and Innovation Director

Dr. Neil Anthony-Pillai’s IT career started at NIBM in 1981 and has spanned over 40 years. He has worked for multiple blue-chip companies and Médecins Sans Frontières on projects across the world. Having always had a passion for training he has designed and delivered training in both Information Technology and Medicine. As the Co Founder and Chief Training & Innovation Director, Neil plays a pivotal role in shaping Unicom TIC’s training and innovation framework, ensuring it meets global standards.

Jon Guffaston
Chief Technology Officer
Renowned as one of the world’s foremost technicians, Jon brings a wealth of technical expertise to Unicom TIC. His primary focus is on preparing every student for the demands of the industry, guaranteeing that certificates are endorsed directly from the CTO’s office in the UK. Jon’s dedication ensures that Unicom TIC graduates enter the workforce with a competitive edge.
Prof. Dhayalan Velauthapillai
Advisor

Professor Dhayalan Velauthapillai is attached to the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway. He heads the international research group on Advanced Nanomaterials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (ANCEHA) and has vast experience in leading a number of international collaborative research projects. He leads the Higher education and Research collaboration on Nanomaterials for Clean energy Technologies (HRNCET) in Sri Lanka between his university HVL, Norway, University of Bergen and University of Jaffna, University of Peradheniya, National Institute for Fundamental Studies (NIFS), and Eastern University of Sri Lanka. He has wide experience in developing curriculums and degree programs. Professor Dhayalan has an H-index of thirty eight and published more than three hundred international journal publications and held more than two hundred conferences and popular talks. He has won a number of awards in Norway in his profession as Professor and for his social engagement. Professor Dhayalan Velauthapilai will be involved as an advisor in the development of curriculum for this Industry Ready Software Developer Program.

S. Renganathan
Advisor

Sivakrishnarajah Renganathan: A Visionary Leader in Banking

With an illustrious banking career spanning over four decades, Sivakrishnarajah Renganathan has emerged as a luminary in the industry. Notably, he served as the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the globally recognized Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, listed among the top thousand banks worldwide. Renganathan’s legacy is rooted in eight impactful years as a Board Executive Director, steering the institution towards new heights with his strategic acumen.

Guiding UNICOM TIC: A Strategic Visionary

Currently, Renganathan holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Director for esteemed organizations, including Sunshine Holdings PLC and Janashakthi Insurance PLC. Armed with prestigious professional designations such as FCMA, CGMA, FLIBF, and FIB, he brings invaluable expertise in strategic planning and financial management to UNICOM TIC.

 

His distinguished affiliations underscore his commitment to international business relations and economic growth. As the Vice Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, Council Member of the Employers Federation of Ceylon, and Council Member for Business with Britain, Renganathan actively contributes to fostering global collaborations. Additionally, his role as the Founder President of the Sri Lanka Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry showcases his dedication to building bridges between nations.

In recognition of his social service, Renganathan was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a whole island Justice of Peace, reflecting his commitment to community well-being. With a wealth of experience, including eight years as a Board Executive Director, Renganathan is poised to contribute significantly to UNICOM TIC’s success, ensuring a strategic vision and financial prudence in its endeavors.

Mayooran Somasundaram
Technologist & Head of programs
As our Technologist and Senior Tech Lead, Mayooran is instrumental in imparting practical knowledge and industry best practices to our students. His extensive experience and hands-on approach contribute significantly to the development of well-rounded tech professionals.
Duwarahan Balakrishnan
Operations Manager
Duwarahan Balakrishnan takes charge of the day-to-day operations at Unicom TIC, ensuring seamless functioning and a conducive learning environment for our students. His meticulous attention to detail and organizational prowess play a critical role in maintaining the high standards we uphold.
Anushyanthan Selvanayagam
Strategic Director
Anushan assumes a pivotal role as the Facilitator. His wealth of experience and expertise adds significant value to the team, contributing directly to the success of our programs.

Partnerships

At Unicom TIC, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our strategic partnerships with industry leaders, esteemed institutions, and global tech trailblazers are instrumental in shaping a dynamic and impactful learning environment. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators. Explore our valued partnerships below:

Institutions

Our partnerships with renowned educational institutions and research bodies contribute to the richness of our programs. These collaborations enable us to leverage academic expertise, resources, and facilities, ensuring a holistic learning experience for our students.

List of Educational Institutions:

  1. Higher education and Research collaboration on Nanomaterials for Clean energy Technologies (HRNCET) 
  2. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), 
  3. Norway and University of Jaffna
Community Partnerships

Beyond corporate collaborations, Unicom TIC is dedicated to giving back to the community. Our community partnerships involve initiatives that contribute to the local tech ecosystem, fostering growth and inclusivity.

List of Educational Institutions:

  1. Blossom Trust

Interested in becoming a partner? Contact us to explore collaborative opportunities and join us in shaping the future of tech education.

Our Story

Conception of the idea

Shantha Ruban, an eminent figure acclaimed among the World’s 100 Global Tech Innovators, is a visionary serial tech entrepreneur. He is also the Founder of 5 tech companies in the UK where he currently serves as the Group CEO developing world-class solutions, and shaping the digital landscape with cutting-edge technology.

One auspicious day, Shantha arrived at one of the group companies well before the usual bustle of the office. To his surprise, a group of young employees had already taken charge of the boardroom early that morning. Intrigued, Shantha decided to quietly observe.

In his own words, he recalls ‘I told them to carry on and I observed, I saw our Technologist and Senior tech lead Mayuran giving lecture to the new employees on practical examples of coding, how to code and industry best practices, he was doing such a fantastic job and these new employees were university graduates who had at least 5 years of education and internships before they joined the company, but they still needed training and more resources to get ready for their role in the company.” And this incident got Shantha thinking and eventually, the idea was born.

Later, Shantha engaged with his childhood friend Dr. Neil Anthony-Pillai in a discussion about this transformative incident. Together, they unearthed a grander vision for Sri Lanka.


Dr. Neil Anthony-Pillai, a luminary boasting four decades of experience in both tech and training, felt an immediate resonance with Shantha’s vision. In a bold move, he relinquished his significant role in the UK, dedicating himself to sculpting global tech innovators right here in Sri Lanka.
As the idea matured into reality Jon Guffastan, renowned as one of the world’s foremost technicians joined the team along with Mayooran Somasundaram and Anushyanthan Selvanayagam who were driven by the same noble mission. Today, we stand fortified by the backing of multinational IT giants, esteemed institutions, and global tech trailblazers. This is only the beginning of an era marked by boundless opportunity for every Sri Lankan. A future where barriers dissolve into insignificance.

Unicom TIC stands poised to empower and equip students who will undergo workshops and attend interviews conducted regionally. Selected students will then participate in the certificate and diploma program, with guaranteed job placements on successful completion of the course. By January 2025, each successful graduate will not only possess skills coveted by industry leaders but will also hold the key to a promising career path.

Skills Today, Success Tomorrow.