Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

Microsoft and Infoshare launched a project to develop Information Communication Technology ICT skills among under-served communities.

The Rs 16.5 million project will improve IT skills of the rural masses to make them better employed. The training programs to be carried out at grassroots level would increase IT awareness in the rural sector.

Microsoft, Infoshare and the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) will carry out the project which includes an IT curriculum, technical advice and helpdesk support at rural level.

The rural community does not have adequate access to IT and their knowledge is abysmal. Sri Lanka's IT drive has been slow compared to Asian countries whose IT literacy rate is admirably high. According to statistics Sri Lanka's IT literacy rate is 9 per cent and in the rural sector it is 3 per cent.

This is a drawback to develop the country, Microsoft Country Manager, Sriyan de Silva said. IT penetration should be broadbased and not limited to Colombo and Kandy. Training and skills development programs should be implemented in the rural sector as well. Lack of a proper IT plan and modern infrastructure has hindered economic growth.

Chairman Vocational Training Authority (VTA) Major General M. T. W. Ponnamperuma said the founding father of vocational training is President Mahinda Rajapakse whose vision is ' Skills for life and employability for skills'.

Such a vision is paramount for rural development which focuses on vocational training at village level. It is alarming to note that it is only 2 per cent of the academic mainstream who take up vocational training as a profession.

He said IT training is a vital component for development. The VTA is the vehicle to take IT training to the village. Every one should have access to the Internet if they need to grow in professional stature.

LF

| News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security |
| Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries | Junior Observer |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.