Roshan de Silva, Vice President – Smart Building and Smart Factory Technology Practice at MillenniumIT ESP, shares insights into how smart infrastructure is becoming central to business strategy in Sri Lanka, with growing adoption in real estate and manufacturing. MillenniumIT ESP is driving this shift with digital platforms, AI-powered systems, and scalable solutions like QUBE, helping businesses cut costs, boost efficiency, and prepare for a data-driven, sustainable future.
Global shifts are moving innovation from a discrete department to the backbone of modern business. How do you envision this unfolding in Sri Lanka?
We’ve reached a turning point. Innovation is no longer confined to a single department. It is now a focus at the highest levels of leadership. In Sri Lanka, this shift is clear in real estate, manufacturing, and government. There is growing interest in smart infrastructure.
At MillenniumIT ESP, we are seeing a rise in demand for digital platforms. These platforms help organisations become more adaptable and efficient. From industrial parks to skyscrapers, businesses are embracing digital-first strategies. Smart infrastructure is now seen as a strategic asset. It goes beyond compliance and streamlining. It drives performance and future readiness.
Is Sri Lanka setting an appropriate pace in its adoption of smart building technologies and digital transformation?
We’re making progress, but the pace needs to pick up. Globally, smart buildings are recognised for reducing energy consumption and enhancing user experience. Locally, adoption is still mostly limited to high-end projects.
That’s where we come in, making smart building solutions more affordable and scalable. We’ve already implemented Building Management Systems at key sites, providing real-time control over heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and energy use. This leads to lower bills and smarter facility management. Our modular energy-efficient data centres are also gaining traction. They offer reliable uptime while supporting sustainability goals, which is becoming increasingly important to developers and telcos.
How are smart factories transforming the manufacturing sector locally and globally?
Smart factories are already changing the manufacturing landscape by enhancing quality, reducing costs, and improving delivery. We’ve moved from basic automation to systems powered by data and artificial intelligence. Our proprietary solution, QUBE, has played a key role in helping Sri Lankan manufacturers adapt to this shift.
QUBE brings together factory floor data, including machine performance, energy use, quality, safety, and sustainability, into one smart system. This enables plant managers to predict and act, rather than just react. It’s already running in leading apparel and food processing factories, reducing downtime by up to 20% and improving production planning with real-time insights. We are now integrating generative AI to deliver even more value. Today’s supply chains must be strong, compliant and environmentally responsible, and smart factories are the way forward.
What trends are shaping Sri Lanka’s adoption of smart buildings?
There is a clear shift towards sustainable and user-friendly spaces. Hybrid work, environmental concerns, regulations and shifting tenant needs are driving developers to rethink design.
Smart buildings with integrated Building Management Systems and Extra Low Voltage systems, such as automated heating, ventilation, air conditioning, intelligent lighting, and access control, are proving to be more energy-efficient and attracting more leases. These upgrades not only cut costs but also increase long-term property value and enhance their reputation as sustainable assets.
How does MillenniumIT ESP make security infrastructure more accessible without compromising effectiveness?
We’re focused on delivering high-quality security that’s smart, adaptable and built for today’s needs. Our intelligent IP surveillance systems go beyond the basics by integrating AI-powered video analytics, video forensics and efficient storage solutions.
These features support everything from safer cities to smarter factory floors. For example, a logistics client utilised our system to identify patterns in incidents, enhance staff safety, and reduce insurance costs. The insights gained helped them enhance overall operations, not just security. We believe security should do more than protect. It should drive efficiency, support smarter decisions and empower how businesses work every day.
What can MillenniumIT ESP’s expertise bring to smart buildings in Sri Lanka?
We operate where IT, OT and cybersecurity meet, offering an intelligent infrastructure that few others can match. From energy-efficient data centres to AI-powered factories and smart office towers, our solutions are secure, scalable and seamlessly connected.
Our Extra Low Voltage services include access control, audio, collaboration tools, lighting, surveillance and IoT, tailored for the local market using global best practices. We also provide ongoing data insights, reporting and managed services to ensure long-term value. For example, we supported a major FMCG facility by integrating over 20 systems into one control panel, cutting energy use by 25% and speeding up maintenance response by 60%.
What is AI’s real-world impact in smart buildings and factories?
Artificial intelligence powers our advanced infrastructure. In factories, it predicts breakdowns, optimises production and spots waste early. In smart buildings, it adjusts lighting, heating, cooling and electricity in real time based on usage, improving comfort and cutting costs.
AI supports predictive maintenance, reduces downtime and extends equipment life. Our QUBE system uses AI to recommend maintenance schedules and suggest efficiency improvements, turning raw data into real business value. Sri Lankan companies are only beginning to see this impact. This shift is not in the future. It is happening now.
What’s your message to business leaders still hesitant about embracing smart infrastructure?
Think ahead. Whether you are in real estate, manufacturing or logistics, smart infrastructure is no longer optional as it gives you a real competitive edge. Delaying adoption can mean lost savings, compliance risks and missed opportunities.
Start small. Focus on one building, one floor or one process. The return, such as cost savings, less downtime and improved user experience, is almost always worth it. At MillenniumIT ESP, we go beyond technology. We partner with you from concept to execution, ensuring every solution is built to scale, aligned to your business goals and ready for what comes next.