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Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has completed an independent evaluation of the first batch of eight pilot projects initiated by ICTA between September 2003 and August 2004. ICTA engaged the professional services of Ernst and Young to plan and conduct comprehensive evaluations for 16 out of over 20 pilot projects. Evaluation of the second batch of eight pilot projects is currently ongoing.

Of the eight pilot projects evaluated by Ernst and Young to date, five projects were rated as successful, with the potential for achieving substantial impact, including 'Empowering the Workplace', implemented in the Matale district and Divisional Secretariats by Informatics, 'Govi Gnana System', implemented by e-Development Labs in Dambulla, 'National Operations Room', implemented by PricewaterhouseCoopers in partnership with the Foreign Aid and Budget Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Finance and Sarvodaya's pilot 'Nanasala' operating in Nuwara Eliya.

Ernst and Young also identified three critical success factors, namely, strong leadership from the project owner, clear contracts and obligations and raising awareness, as important to ensure the sustainability of these and future projects.

During its first year of operation commencing in July 2003, and prior to obtaining major funding for the 'e-Sri Lanka' program, ICTA called for proposals from all sectors for innovative pilot concepts using ICT as a tool for development: projects which were quick and easy to implement, delivering real and visible results for citizens, and if successful, easy to replicate or scale up.

Program Manager at ICTA, Shoban Rainford said: "the pilot projects will play a key role towards achieving the vision of e-Sri Lanka. Before embarking on larger programs that will impact the entire country, it is vital that key concepts of the e-Sri Lanka roadmap are tested as well as the capabilities of implementation partners".

Lessons learned from each of the pilots will provide invaluable input to implementation strategies adopted for the main programs and projects of 'e-Sri Lanka', ensuring greater efficiencies and a focus on achieving real results for the people.

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