THE champagne was flowing at the Old Town offices of independent IT management consultancy Newburn Consulting to celebrate the forming of a multi-million joint venture with a Sri Lankan computer company.

Representatives of John Keells Computer Services, part of John Keells Holdings, the largest conglomerate in Sri Lanka with an annual turnover exceeding $110 million, were on hand for the launch of the venture Newburn Keells.

Dulugala Jinadasa, First Secretary, Commercial, of the Sri Lankan Embassy, welcomed the venture which will address many of the perceived weaknesses of offshore software development by ensuring reliable project delivery through its Swindon headquarters.

"The Sri Lankan Government has identified the IT sector as a priority area for investment and incentives to promote its already innovative approach in this area.

"This new partnership is to be congratulated, benefiting from the expertise of the two parent companies in offering fully managed application development services."

Newburn Keells marries the two firms' expertise in project management and world class software development.

Richard Bradley, general manager of Newburn Keells, said: "This joint venture combines the talents and cost efficiency associated with offshore development but removes perceived risk factors of sending projects abroad."

Ajit Gunewardene, director of John Keells Holdings, said: "We are delighted to be entering this new phase for our business.

"Above all John Keells values quality, as displayed by our zero defect guarantees, and this new strategic alliance will bring together two companies for whom service and excellence are paramount."