ICTA to set up 40 ‘Nenasala Arivahams’ in Northern Province

As yet another step in making the optimum benefits of ICT reach all, the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) is to set up 40 Nenasalas (Arivahams) in the Northern Province. Applications are now called from registered community based organisations for setting up these Nenasala Arivahams (wisdom outlets/ tele-centres) in the Northern Province.

Rural development societies, women’s associations, sports clubs, public libraries, organisations in charge of places of worship and social groups committed to village development could submit their applications under this project.

The application to be filled in could be downloaded and information about documents that should be attached to the application and further relevant information could be obtained by visiting the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) website www.icta.lk.  

These could also be obtained by contacting the Divisional Secretariat of the relevant location or the ICTA. The completed applications with the required documents should be mailed by registered post or personally handed over to the following address: ‘Nenasala – Arivakam’ Programme – Northern Province, Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, No. 160/24, Kirimandala Mawatha, Colombo 5. The deadline for receiving completed applications together with all required documents is 27 February 2013.  

Sessions for giving instructions about filling the application clearly and for review will be held at the Jaffna District Secretariat on 7 February 2013 from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and at the Vavuniya District Secretariat on 8 February 2013 from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.  

Those belonging to the Kilinochchi, Mannar or Mullaitivu districts are kindly requested to attend either the Jaffna or the Vavuniya session. About 40 Nenasalas are scheduled to be set up in the Northern Province under this program. Applications called for setting up Nenasalas in the Gramasevaka areas are indicated in the table.

To trace the origin of Nenasala, about six years ago, only a few privileged city-dwellers had easy access to the internet. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his far-sighted vision wanted computers to be taken to the village. The island-wide Nenasala project is a flagship measure giving effect to this vision, implemented by ICTA under which these wisdom outlets with ICT facilities reach all, in particular the disadvantaged.  

Currently there are 692 Nenasalas (Arivahams) spread island-wide under the  Nenasala project, a brainchild of the President. Designed by the ICTA, the Nenasala Arivahams or ICT centres are like digital libraries or resource centres. From here, anyone, for example, even a poor farmer in a remote village like Mahavilachchiya in Anuradhapura can initiate online business transactions in any country, for instance the USA.

Ascertaining crop prices and best location for fishing, preparing for examinations, studying English, IT and many other subjects have become easy and affordable, thanks to the Nenasalas.  

These centres or wisdom outlets provide an island-wide service in bringing the benefits of ICT to the rural population. These have been set up in easily accessible and convenient locations. Each Nenasala is equipped with three to four personal computers with internet access, a laser printer, scanner, web camera and other accessories.    

The concept of shared computing (sometimes called ‘virtual desktops’) is now implemented in the Nenasalas – the excess power of a PC is leveraged for powering multiple computing sessions at once. A ‘virtual desktop’ experience is provided through the access devices to each end user using his/her own monitor, keyboard and mouse.