Information and Communication Technology Agency | Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka

Lanka Government Network to be taken over by ICTA subsidiary

Monday, 22 August 2011 09:49

The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized supplementary funding amounting to approximately Rs. 74 million to enable a subsidiary owned by ICTA to maintain and operate the Lanka Government Network (LGN), beyond August 2011.
The LGN was initially established under a Korean Government funded program through a managed services contract implemented by Samsung Networks Inc. The objective was to establish a government wide network with basic IT infrastructure under the e-Sri Lanka Development Project, through which Government services could be provided by electronic means to ensure greater efficiency in the delivery of Government services.

The first phase connected 325 Government locations (including several Provincial Councils, District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats) across the country and the second phase connected additional 150 locations, with additional focus in underserved areas.
With the end of the warranty period the maintenance and operations of the LGN has to be gradually taken over by the Government. For this purpose ICTA has already established a fully-owned subsidiary, under ICTA supervision, called "Lanka Government Information Infrastructure Ltd", to take over the maintenance and operation of the LGN.

First ever ‘Nenasala’ ‘Arivakam’ wisdom outlet opened in Kilinochchi

Wednesday, 03 August 2011 16:17

Implementing a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the 615th ‘Nenasala’ Arivakam or wisdom outlet was declared open by Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa in Kilinochchi on 20th July 2011. Explaining the origin of the Nenasala concept ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) Chairman Prof. P. W. Epasinghe said: “The ‘Nenasala’ ‘Arivakam’ telecentre or wisdom outlet is a brainchild of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Under this Nenasala project 1000 ‘Nenasala’ ‘Arivakam’ wisdom outlets will be set up island-wide to serve as the nerve centre of ICT facilities in the relevant area”.
Elaborating on the objectives of Nenasala, the ICTA Chairman, said that the objective of the Nenasala was to provide the optimal benefits of ICT to the community. He noted that Nenasala must act as a resource centre to the community and that the services offered by the Nenasala were varied and adapted to the needs of the milieu. These include information on Government services and information for farmers and fishermen with regard to livelihoods. They help the youth in the community to find employment opportunities and start self-employment etc.
The centre is located in the Kilinochchi town and therefore easily accessible to the public, ICTA Project Manager, Gavashkar Subramanium said reporting from the site. Giving further details Gavashkar said that this was the first ‘Nenasala’ or ‘Arivakam’ wisdom outlet in the Kilinochchi district and the 6th in the Northern Province and the 615th in the island. The centre will be managed and operated by Tharunyata Hetak, (Ilagnanarkalukkaana Naalai) Youth Organisation. This Nenasala is fully equipped with personal computers, laser printer, scanner, web camera and broadband internet connectivity provided on WiMAX technology.
Caption
Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa operating a computer at the first ever (‘Nenasala’/’Arivakam’) ‘wisdom outlet’ telecentre. Cooperatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando looks on.

ICTA-initiated Nenasala produces winner of best service sector entrepreneur in Hambantota

Monday, 04 October 2010 13:59

Adding another feather to Hambantota district’s cap, owner cum manager of an ICTA initiated Nenasala Ms. G. A. Deepika Priyadarshani was recently presented with the award for the best service sector entrepreneur in the district in 2009.
Organised by the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, the selection was based on a stringent jury process by a panel of experts, the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) Information Infrastructure Project Manager, S. Gavashkar said.
The ICTA- initiated Suriyawewa Nenasala which earned for Ms. Deepika the award given at a function held recently sets her out as an example when women entrepreneurs are rare and much in demand for boosting national development.
One of the 601 Nenasalas currently spread throughout the island under a the concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a major means to take ICT to the village, Ms. Deepika’s Suriyawewa Nenasala is located near the Suriywewa market in the Hambantota district. Ms. Deepika said that she obtained valuable support in making her Suriyawewa Nenasala reach the current standard of quality service to the people.