SLT Zero One Awards to recognise Sri Lankan digital media excellence

By Devin Jayasundera

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) launched the SLT Zero One Awards for Digital Excellence, a digital media awards program to recognise individuals and institutions developing the digital ecosystem of the country. 

The awards will be based on nine diverse categories ranging from the best digitally-enabled product service and software application development to the social media personality of the year. 

The organisers believe this initiative will create a platform for agencies, brands, individuals and companies to push for excellence in the digital media sphere. Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando has been at the forefront in the digitisation efforts of the country. “Once your life is digitalised the world will be at your fingertips,” claimed Fernando.

The Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, together with the Information and Communication Agency (ICTA), is spearheading the infrastructure development of Government and school digitisation. “Currently there are 64 projects, which include 380 procurements. Of those there are some massive projects that will completely revolutionise the country,” outlined Fernando. 

In highlighting digitisation developments in schools, Fernando said: “Next year we have procured 500,000 tablets with a keyboard to be given to schools. We are providing coding lessons for 5,000 children. In the subsequent year we want to include coding education in the children’s curriculum.” 

Sri Lanka Telecom Group Chairman P. G. Kumarasinghe Sirisena, commenting on the SLT Zero One Awards, said: “This is not just another awards show but a national service. The digital landscape is becoming increasingly popular in today’s technologically driven society and if used strategically, it can be effectively leveraged to meet the marketing objectives of organisations and businesses. Sri Lanka has come a long way in terms of digital initiatives. However, there is still a need to encourage and support organisations and individuals to embrace digital innovations and make the maximum use of what this digital age has to offer, especially in terms of executing marketing strategies and campaigns.”

SLT Group Chief Executive Officer Dileepa Wijesundera said: “Sri Lanka Telecom’s digital award is a key catalyst in supporting digital media development in Sri Lanka. The Zero One awards will be open to a wide audience which includes individuals, agencies, SMEs, brands, multinationals and students. This is the only platform available today for participants to showcase their talent in the digital media sphere, being an annual event. SLT will continue to play a dominant role in this market.”

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera