JKCS celebrates 10 years in Aviation IT  

Colombo, May 27, 2008 - JKCS, the renowned aviation software company, celebrated ten years of incorporation with a commemorative event themed “The Journey of a Decade”. With its understated elegance, the event was the perfect tribute to company’s ten-year toil to be a key player in the aviation software field.


Picture shows Dhananjaya Chandrasekera – CEO of JKCS (left) and Romesh David – Head of IT Group of John Keells at the 10th year celebrations of JKCS

The day’s celebrations included a video recap of JKCS history. In 1998 John Keells Group - Sri Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate - incorporated its software subsidiary John Keells Computer Services (JKCS) in the hopes of operating an IT support centre for a British shipping concern. From here, JKCS quickly secured more business in IT outsourcing with the use of a small team of talented software engineers and consultants. At the time software off-shoring was still in a nascent stage. It took drive, passion and grueling hours to make the young company an outsourcing success. JKCS entered the big league by signing on Emirates Airlines. The airline giant contracted JKCS consultants to work at its IT division (Mercator) in Dubai and offshored some of its key projects to JKCS’ advanced software development centre in Colombo. It included the Emirates customer loyalty programs - Skywards and CRIS. JKCS quickly expanded in scale and scope to meet the needs of its growing business. With assiduous targeting the company was able to secure more and more airline accounts while steadily extending its product portfolio. Award winning airlines like SAS, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways now figure in the customer list of JKCS.

In a colorful multi-cultural organization what better way to celebrate than with a multi-faith blessing ceremony. JKCS head-office premises and staff were blessed by members of Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu and Christian clergy. This was followed by the lighting of the oil lamp in the main foyer. The entire corporate headquarters was decked out in the company’s signature blue and silver for this ceremony. Some of the fun activities of the day included creating the signature-plaque and sharing the novelty birthday cake and treats. CEO of JKCS, Mr. Dhananjaya Chandrasekera welcomed everyone at the celebrations and summed up the story of how JKCS went from the backwoods of outsourcing to the frontline in global aviation software and technology.

Mr. Romesh David, President IT/Transportation Groups of John Keells Holdings was the chief guest at “The Journey of a Decade” and in his speech he outlined the aspirations of John Keells Group for its software subsidiary. Mr. David then handed out mementos to all those staff members who have been with the company since its inception. Addressing the gathering, Sector Head –IT of John Keells Holdings, Mr. Sujiva Dewaraja, talked of the great things that can be achieved by unlocking the potential of young men and women and encouraging excellence, aspiration and achievement. The “Journey of a Decade” was a fitting tribute to JKCS and its team of professionals who continually strive to raise the bar in innovation and service.