Computer and ICT powerful tools in country’s development – Minister Siyambalapitiya

Computer and information and communication technology are powerful weapons in the country’s development war, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said recently.

Telecommunication and IT Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya looks on as children enjoy using the facilities at the newly inaugurated ‘Nenasala’ wisdom outlet at the Mabopitiya Udowita Undugoda Sri Bimbarama Viharasthanaya in Kegalle

The Minister said so, while participating at the inauguration of the 605th Nenasala ‘wisdom outlet’ under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s concept of setting up 1000 Nenasala wisdom outlets island-wide. This 605th wisdom outlet was set up at the Udowita Undugoda Sri Bimbaaraama temple in Maabopitiya in Kegalle.

Speaking further on the occasion the Minister said: “The war of restoring peace in the country has by now been successfully completed under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. What we now have is the war of developing the country.  Information and Communication Technology is pivotal in the development war.

“By now the ICT literacy of this country has hit the 30 per cent mark. Our aim is to increase this up to 75 per cent by 2016. The Nenasala wisdom outlets will provide valuable support  in this regard. The computer is there to work on and not to be left securely in a box or concealed under a cloth”.

Speaking at the function, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) Chief Executive Officer Reshan Dewapura  said: “Today wisdom outlets (Nenasala) play a major role in providing the knowledge of Information and Communication Technology to the people in the village. The ‘Wisdom Outlet (Nenasala) Project’ has gained plaudits internationally too, because of its efficiency. Today people have been able to enjoy many services and facilities and have access to a vast knowledge because of ICT. Our objective is to further extend these benefits”.

Chief Incumbent of the Sri Bimbarama Buddhist Ven. Hikgoda Anuruddha Thero and ICTA Senior Programme Head Athula Pushpakumara also participated in the occasion.