e-Citizen improving ICT literacy in Lanka

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) recently launched 'e-Citizen'; a learning program designed to provide a basic ICT-skills qualification for all citizens.

The project consisting of two recognised ICT qualifications, International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) and e-Citizen, aims to create an ICT literate society and skilled workforce, thus helping to bridge the digital divide and positioning Sri Lanka as a knowledge-driven economy.

In the preliminary phase, 'e-Citizen' will target 100,000 citizens in a bid to increase ICT literacy levels - currently estimated by the Department of Census and Statistics at a low of 10%, as opposed to Sri Lanka's high literacy rate of 90%.

An islandwide ICT literacy drive will be initiated by ICTA to create awareness regarding the project and the available incentives for private training institutions to expand their current network. The project is expected to increase ICT skills adoption levels, with an additional 400,000 citizens estimated to master basic ICT skills in the next three years to achieve the target of a 60% ICT literacy rate set by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"e-Citizen' will work towards ensuring uniform standards in quality courses for improving ICT literacy.