ICT 'innovation 'environment' by Ericsson

Ericsson in collaboration with the Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, launched 'Nation Building through ICT Innovation and Inclusion' initiative in Colombo, coinciding with the inauguration of Ericsson's new state-of-the-art premises in the country.

The Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Ministry and Ericsson signed a Letter Of Intent (LOI) to set up an inclusive and diverse ICT innovation environment that stimulates a broad range of ICT ecosystem partnerships. Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Harin Fernando was also present at the launch.

The LOI highlights the role ICT plays as the key enabler of the government's Digital Sri Lanka vision. It includes a series of Ericsson initiatives such as the setting up of a 5G innovation centre, coupled with a gender and differently-abled diversity internship program that encourages entrepreneurship and generates employment opportunities across a range of industries, a company release said.

Head of Ericsson Sri Lanka, Denis Brunetti said, "In recognition of the enduring partnership Ericsson has shared with the people of Sri Lanka for over 20 years, it gives me great pride and pleasure to forge this Nation Building alliance with the government.

"As demonstrated through Ericsson's Connect to Learn initiative in Sri Lanka, which utilizes mobility, broadband and cloud to bring ICT education to teenage girls from farming communities and empower their future, Ericsson is committed to harnessing the power of ICT to forge ecosystem partnerships that deliver benefits to the people of Sri Lanka.

"Through this collaboration, we are investing further in our commitment to the people of Sri Lanka by launching the 'Nation Building through ICT Innovation and Inclusion' initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, which aims to ensure that a broader range of contributions to ICT development and innovation are embraced and favorably leveraged across the country.

As well as fueling the further expansion of our Connect to Learn service to Badulla and Jaffna in 2016, this strategic partnership will contribute a 5G innovation environment and an annual Ericsson ICT Internship program involving female ICT students from Moratuwa University and differently-abled ICT students from across the Sri Lankan community," he said.

Minister Fernando commended the Ericsson team for taking the lead as a responsible corporate citizen and long-term Nation Building partner to the people of Sri Lanka.

"We are delighted to have joined hands with Ericsson in forging this historic 'Nation Building through ICT Innovation and Inclusion' strategic partnership, which ultimately aims to reduce the digital divide in the country."

"Through this collaboration, we will engage in multiple Technologies for Good initiatives that put technology into the hands of people at the grassroots, across all walks of life.

"We believe in the power of ICT and equal opportunity for all. This long-term partnership with Ericsson will create new and exciting employment opportunities while instilling a strong sense of entrepreneurship throughout society," he said.