ICT sector, a catalyst in development

The ICT sector is a catalytic moving force in Sri Lanka’s development, said ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) CEO, Reshan Dewapura at a press conference held in Colombo recently to mark the 14th National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA) 2012 launch.

He summarised the salient achievements in the country’s ICT sector during the past six years as follows: “The ICT sector in this country has developed and matured tremendously during the past five to six years. It has been a catalytic driver in development, has contributed to improving the quality of life of all Sri Lankans and has increasingly provided a recognisable boost to the economy. In other words the ICT sector has strived to lead from the front in Sri Lanka’s development efforts. Pioneering development initiatives such as e-Sri Lanka, has provided the crucial backbone and the impetus to that endeavour.

“ICT has created the enabling environment for the Government, the private sector and the civil society to grow and develop in their sectors as well as in combination. This growth and development promotes the growth and development of the country in general.

“In Government, the information infrastructure eco system is now in place for all government entities to move forward without obstacles, to re-engineer and simplify processes and develop automated systems. The result of all this is a better service delivery to citizens.

“For the private sector, mature ICT platforms are now available to be used as great transformational tools, for the progression of their industries and sectors, and for the ICT sector itself, the environment is conducive to maximise the opportunities in our country, as a global ICT destination.”

For civil society opportunities have been created and the stage is set to continue to use ICT for the betterment of the masses, the rural communities, and the disadvantages and the under-privileged groups.

“All these are important, in our journey towards being a ‘Knowledge Hub in the Region’, where ICT led transformation, as outlined before, will be the differentiator between success and failure, ” he said.