The Government will be establishing 35 new e-Kiosk Centres with internet and satellite communication facilities this year to boost IT proficiency of the estate population.
Earlier this year, the Cabinet has approved a proposal made by the Minister of Livestock and Rural Community Development Arumugam Thondaman on the establishment of new telecentres for the estate community.
The move is part of a bigger digital inclusion programme by the Saumyamoorth Thondaman Memorial Foundation under an Act of Parliament aimed at establishing 450 Prajashakthi (Community strengthening) centres.
This programme is funded by the government in accordance with the objective of keeping pace with moving towards a knowledge based society as stipulated in President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s policy statement of Mahinda Chintana.
The Cabinet also approved Rs.200 Million (US$1.8 million) to provide 270 computers and other equipment the 45 centres already established.