27th April, 2011: Information Technology is a constantly evolving industry which has transformed into one of the most lucrative and competitive industries today. In keeping with the demands and rising standards of the industry in the country, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) offers suitably structured Masters degree programmes with the aim of consistently producing highly qualified IT specialists to develop and take this industry forward.

SLIIT's flexible 2 year Master's degree programmes consist of four semesters (14 weeks each), which are offered in the following streams; Master of Science in Information Technology (IT), Master of Science in Information Management (IM) and Master of Science in Information Systems (IS). Candidates who successfully complete the first two semesters (one year) will be eligible to receive the Postgraduate Diploma. The programmes are structured in a manner expedient to students who wish to continue their studies up to PhD level, where they will be provided with the requisite knowledge and tools necessary to further more individual and self-directed research required for PhD studies.

Master of Science in Information Technology (IT)
This programme is specifically designed for graduates in the fields of Information Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering and provides participants with core advanced knowledge and skills in IT, which is supplemented by a range of options within the areas of Software Engineering, Computer Networks, E-business Technologies, Database Management, and Business Information Systems. The degree is designed to focus on current industry trends and emerging developments in IT, in addition to providing in-depth knowledge concerning advanced topics for participants to competently function as high-level specialists, advisors, consultants, project managers and practitioners in the field of IT.

Master of Science in Information Management (IM)
M.Sc. in Information Management offers participants an edge in modern business development and planning using Information Technology tools, and is especially designed for graduates and members of professional bodies with managerial experience. The programme places strong focus on guiding participants through a proven framework which integrates IT with business which leads them towards developing a comprehensive Information strategic plan. Participants will be equipped with Information literacy skills and a strong technical background necessary to function effectively within an organisation within fast changing business environments replete with computer networks, electronic publishing and the Internet.

On successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to utilise Information Systems effectively within their organisations, evaluate and select appropriate methods and technologies for representing, managing and disseminating information. They will thus be able to develop a critical awareness of modern Information and Communication Technology applications for strategic management and decision making, and to decide on the IT infrastructure most relevant to the respective organisation.

Master of Science in Information Systems (IS)
The Master of Science in Information Systems (IS) programme is designed for non-IT graduates who have specialised in other disciplines and who wish to acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills in IT so that they can competently participate in any aspect of Information Systems Development and Management within an organisation. This degree also provides participants an opportunity to embark on a lucrative IT-related career. M.Sc. in Information Systems is focused on developing strong technical competence in modern IT practices and offers participants breadth of choice and depth of understanding in the application of IT in a variety of contexts.

Entry requirements for these degree programmes require a Bachelor's Degree from these respective fields or a related field from SLIIT or a recognised University/Institute or membership from a recognised professional institute in a relevant field as approved by SLIIT with relevant experience, where necessary.
Dr. Koliya Pulasinghe, Dean - Academic Affairs, Research and Postgraduate Studies at SLIIT emphasizes the role SLIIT plays in catering to the local IT industry. "SLIIT possesses the capacity to transform graduates into highly skilled professionals who embark on a lifelong learning process through the institutes focus on research and development, which ensures that they are constantly up-to-date with emerging trends in the industry". Dr. Samantha Thelijjagoda, Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Course Coordinator at SLIIT, states that the goal of these well-structured and locally developed Master's degree programmes is to produce skilled specialists who will contribute towards applying their knowledge and expertise to address the needs of the local IT industry by producing innovative IT solutions within the modern business and industry sectors, utilise IT strategic planning skills in enterprises that make use of large scale IT applications, and competently undertake research and development within this industry as well as business enterprises.

"By providing many pathways through which students can hone their skills in specific areas within this field, we aim to nurture a new generation of experts who will stamp their contribution towards the development of the local industry as well as the region" elaborates Professor Lalith Gamage, President and CEO at SLIIT.

"SLIIT takes immense pride in continually expanding its facilities in order to provide students with much needed opportunities to further their goals and careers" notes Professor S. Karunaratne, Chairman of SLIIT. Recognised as the foremost tertiary level institution in the country, providing education in the spheres of Information Technology, Business Administration and Electronic Engineering, SLIIT continues to progress to satisfy a demanding and constantly evolving industry.