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The ICT (Information and Communication Technology) capacity building program (ICBP) has received funding support to the tune of US$ 5 million from the World Bank.

The main objective of the program is to develop and expand the efficient and effective utilisation of ICT via private sector initiatives.

The ICBP would have 27 strategies but would start with domestic learning seminars training voucher schemes, business linkages and industry or market surveys. The successful strategies would be given more funding and would continue for a longer period, said a spokesman for ICTA.

ICTA Chairman Prof. V. K. Samaranayake speaking at the launch of ICBP welcoming the budget proposals to develop the ICT sector said that the main concern was the non involvement of the academia but now as the problem is solved we would not need foreign experts at all times.

ICTA MD/CEO Manju Haththotuwa said that the ICT industry is a fledgling industry and we are categorised as an "other" industry. Though we are small we are a potent industry therefore we can conquer the world. This is the clarion call for the industry to rise.

ICTA's vision for the private sector is the Sri Lanka branded for producing the best of breed products and offering world class services in niche global markets enabled through the use and adoption of cutting edge technology. ICT should be the industry taking Sri Lanka forward in the knowledge economy.

He said that though our country is small in size we are rich in resources. The aim of the ICBP is to empower the private sector to realise the rich potential of our people to be globally competitive. The program consists of 27 strategies covering the areas of ICT human resource development, industry promotion and market creation and creating and enabling environment for industry growth. These strategies were identified in consultation with the private sector.

Some of the world-beaters are hSenid, Affno and Microimage. The industry needs government support in the short term. It is expected to have a cascading impact resulting in a globally competitive private sector. He said, "If you are inspired and aspire we will perspire with you. If you got the vision to beat the world we've got the plan to make it happen."

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