Building Professional Networks in Colombo

Why Networking Still Matters

Despite digital recruitment, referrals and trusted introductions remain one of the strongest hiring channels in Sri Lanka.

High-Value Event Types

• Tech meetups (DevOps, JavaScript, Cloud)
• Chamber of Commerce sessions
• University alumni gatherings
• Co-working community demos

Conversation Starters

Keep it genuine: “What projects are you working on this quarter?” vs “Can you get me a job?”

Follow-Up System

Log contacts in a simple sheet: name, context, value you can offer, next touch date.

Give Before You Ask

Share an article, refer a candidate, offer lightweight feedback—create relational equity.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Spamming LinkedIn requests without a note
• Only contacting people when you need help
• Ignoring cross-language opportunities (Sinhala/Tamil/English)