Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s geographic position and its human resources play a pivotal role in driving the island nation’s economic prosperity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) Kandy branch yesterday (09). He underscored the potential of harnessing these human resources for national development. Drawing parallels, the President noted how nations like Singapore and Hong Kong have surged ahead by effectively utilising their human capital. The newly inaugurated Kandy branch of SLIIT is a seven-story private institution, boasting advanced laboratory facilities, conference halls, research laboratories, and residential accommodations. Following the ceremonial unveiling, Wickremesinghe embarked on a tour of the university campus, engaging with students and gaining insights into their academic endeavors. He also took the opportunity to appreciate the diverse talents of the student community. In his address, President Wickramasinghe envisioned a future for Sri Lanka anchored in a technology-driven, highly competitive digital economy which is environmentally conscious. He further emphasised the importance of modernising Sri Lanka’s university system to produce tech-savvy graduates and spoke of forthcoming plans to establish new public and private universities.