• IFS top executive Sal Laher says Sri Lanka is a gem among IFS global operations
• Calls Sri Lankans most versatile people who could overcome adversity
• Reveals plans to increase workforce in Sri Lankan up to 3,500 by 2025

Sal Laher

By Indika Sakalasooriya

At a time when many Sri Lankans are focused on migrating and local businesses relocating their operations to other geographies, having lost their faith in the country beset by the worst economic crisis since its independence, global enterprise software company IFS is determined to stick by Sri Lanka and continue its growth plans in the island nation undeterred. 

“Sri Lanka is a gem of IFS. IFS Sri Lanka is family. We have been there for 25 years and will continue to be there for the next 25 years. Are we slowing down in our investments in Sri Lanka? Absolutely not. Today we have 2,100 people in Sri Lanka. In 2017, we had 987 people, So, we have more than doubled our staff in just five years. We will probably grow to 3,000-3,500 people by end of 2025,” said IFS Chief Digital and Information Officer Sal Laher during an interview with Mirror Business.  

Sal is also an Executive Vice President as he looks after a portfolio of things at IFS, including internal IT, global facilities, business transformation and offshore operations. As the head of offshore operations, IFS’ Sri Lankan and Indian operations directly report to him. 
IFS Labs, which is an important part of the research and development arm of IFS, is located in Sri Lanka. With most of the team based in Colombo, the unit specialises in research, design and development of software solutions that draw on the latest technologies and digital trends. 

IFS Labs plays a key role in the global giant’s product roadmap, spearheading innovative enterprise software solutions that are implemented for both local and international clients.
When asked about how worried the top management of IFS is about having such a crucial part of its business operations in Sri Lanka, given the current situation in the country, Sal acknowledged that the top executives in Sweden were initially jittery. 

“But was I ever worried about the situation in Sri Lanka? No. Never. When I went to my board, people were concerned. They were fretting what happens if we lost Sri Lanka. I said we wouldn’t lose Sri Lanka. I told them you were panicking for nothing.
Sri Lankan people are the most versatile people. They suffered a tsunami, they suffered a terrorist attack, they suffered electricity outages, now they got a financial crisis. They overcame all that adversity every time. So, told them not to worry and have faith. 

Then I asked them if any of you panicked when the Americans stormed the Capital building with knives and guns. People have the right to demonstrate against corrupt politics. But in Sri Lanka, there wasn’t social unrest. When the protests were held, I walked to Ministry of Crab from Cinnamon Grand with my wife. Did we feel threatened? No, absolutely not,” Sal remarked. 

Meanwhile, IFS Sri Lanka recently collaborated with Sri Lanka’s Hatch to expedite the development of open innovation through the start-up community by elevating them up the global value chain. Called the Hatch-IFS ChallengerX Incubator, the initiative targets start-ups, tech firms and professionals with AI and machine learning capabilities to focus on building solutions for global problems. 

Further, IFS has chosen Sri Lanka as a focal point for its CSR activities, as Sri Lanka is home to one-third of its global workforce. Through the IFS Foundation, the company invests in projects in partnership with local communities in remote and rural areas to renovate schools and hospitals, improve access to fresh water and create employment opportunities. 

According to Sal, a significant expansion in the firm’s CSR activities in Sri Lanka is being planned at the moment, as IFS recognises how much it relies on the team in Sri Lanka and hence it seems only right that IFS gives something back to the community that serves it so well. 

“We wouldn’t do these things if we are not committed to Sri Lanka. In addition, we have looked after our staff in Sri Lanka by providing them with a cost-of-living allowance from April and reviewed it regularly and increased it when the inflation went up.

We have given all the facilities and internet allowances, so they can work remotely. Our workforce in Sri Lanka were marvellous during the pandemic. Despite them working from home, their output didn’t decline. So, that’s why even now we have adopted a hybrid model. We don’t keep track on the hours they work for a day. We only look at the output,” Sal said.

Meanwhile, responding to a query about IFS’ Indian operations, where some speculate that IFS may in future shift some of its Sri Lankan operation to India, Sal said, “Yes, we are building an offshore operation now in India. How much do you think we plan for India in the next three years? Just 700 people. It is done just for business continuity for some key areas. Nothing more.”