top of page

"Rikili" is a new initiative designed to accelerate Sri Lanka's ambitious goal of expanding its IT workforce to 200,000 professionals within the next five years. Recognizing the critical need to cultivate a diverse and skilled talent pool, Rikili focuses on bridging the gap between academia and the real-world demands of the IT sector.

THE PROGRAM

The program leverages a unique collaborative model. Small teams, each comprising IT undergraduates and optionally individuals who are not currently pursuing a degree, are formed. This flexible pairing fosters knowledge sharing, mentorship, and cross-learning. Each team is guided by an experienced IT professional who provides valuable industry insights and practical guidance.

By embracing modern open-source tools and technologies, Rikili creates an innovative learning environment that equips participants with in-demand skills and prepares them for successful careers in the rapidly evolving IT landscape.

Program Structure

Each participating unit is designated a "RiKilla," a term signifying a dynamic and independent offshoot. A RiKilla comprises a diverse team of six members: three or more undergraduates and, optionally, individuals who are not currently pursuing a degree. This flexible composition fosters cross-learning and encourages a holistic understanding of the IT industry.

At the heart of each RiKilla is an experienced IT professional serving as a mentor. Guided by their expertise, the team embarks on a hands-on, project-based learning journey to enhance their coding proficiency. The program is meticulously designed to not only sharpen technical skills but also cultivate essential soft skills – communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking – vital for success in today's dynamic and interconnected workforce

RiKiLLa Structure

  • 3 or more Undergrats
  • ​1-3 Non-graguates(optional)
  • 1 Montor
​​

Time Commitment

  • Undergraduates: 20+ hours per week

  • Non-university students: 30+ hours per week

  • Mentors: 1-3 hours per week

Cost

This program is entirely free, with mentors generously volunteering their time and expertise.

Program Management

Designer (3).jpeg

Kick-off  Meeting

The program initially emphasizes mentorship-led project management. All project activities, including learning tasks, are meticulously tracked using the Jira sprint methodology. This hands-on experience introduces the team to Agile principles and fosters a practical understanding of Agile workflows.

Gradually, the team will assume increasing responsibility for managing their own work, transitioning from mentor-led guidance towards greater self-direction and autonomy.

Designer (3).jpeg

Daily Standup Meeting

Daily stand-up meetings are brief, virtual gatherings limited to 15 minutes. During these meetings, each team member briefly outlines their planned activities for the day.

Crucially, this is the designated forum for raising any roadblocks encountered. These roadblocks, often referred to as "blockers," are briefly mentioned to inform the team and facilitate timely resolution. Detailed discussions of blockers are deferred to subsequent meetings with subject matter experts or mentors.

Designer (3).jpeg

Weekly In-person meetup

The Rikila team collaborates to schedule an in-person meeting at a mutually convenient time and location. All members are strongly encouraged to attend, as these meetings are vital for the program's success. To ensure productive discussions, in-person meetings typically last between 4 and 8 hours. Before the meeting, the team collectively develops an agenda to guide their discussions. While not mandatory, the mentor can be invited to participate online if the team deems it beneficial.

RiKiLi Project Structure

A typical RiKiLi team undergoes the following phases:

  • Team Initiation

  • Learning Phase

  • Project Phase

  • Conclusion

​

RiKiLi phases

Team Initiation 

  1. Team assembly 

  2. Mentor Introduction  

  3. Set up the team in the RiKiLi system 

  4. Initial team meeting

Learning Phase

  1. Mentor set up learning path

  2. Team members go through the recommended training  

  3. Mentor provide feedback

Project Phase

  1. Project Initiation

    1. project backlog creation

    2. Project evaluation and selection 

  2. Design

    1. Project design 

    2. Team and mentor review

  3. Develop

    1. Development Activities 

    2. Mentor code review and feedback 

  4. Test

    1. Test and verification 

  5. Fielding

    1. Customer Demonstrate and feedback

    2. Make final changes before fielding the system 

    3. Implement the system at the customer location

    4. Train the customer 

    5. Handover the system to the customer

    6. Monitor the system  for a period 

  6. Project completion 

Program Conclusion

Team Transition: Upon completion of a defined number of projects or upon the graduation of undergraduate team members, the team may explore options for continued collaboration, potentially transitioning into a separate entity.

​

Mentor Transition: The mentor will transition to a new team, providing guidance and support to a fresh cohort of aspiring IT professionals.

Discover Your Learning Path

Explore our diverse range of programs and find the learning path that aligns with your aspirations and career goals.

Embark on a transformative educational journey with Rikili and unlock your potential to thrive in the dynamic world of IT.

bottom of page