The Ministry of Economic Reforms, Science and Technology yesterday launched a unique program titled “Vishvagnana” a series of Cyber Kiosks which is being implemented under the government’s e Sri Lanka program.

The first Vishvgnana centre was declared opened by the world renowned economist Jeffery Sachs together with Minister Milinda Moragoda at his Ministry premises at Elvitigala Mawatha, Narahenpita yesterday.

Minister Moragoda said that several more cyber kiosks would be opened at popular places to enable children and others to access the Internet for education and business purposes.  Around 12 Multi media Computers with internet access is available at the centre while a nominal fee of Rs. 20 per one hour of Internet browsing would be charged.  The Cyber Kiosks is opened daily (except Sundays and public holidays) for 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Four more Kiosks would be opened within the first quarter of this year and 100 more thereafter.

The Ministry’s Vishvaganna program also includes operation of a mobile cyber kiosk titled “Vishvacharika” which will visit over 20 schools in Colombo from this month to take the message of IT, software development and Internet to schools.

Advisor to Ministry of Economic Reform Science and Technology Prof. Rohan Samarajeeva said that five Vishwagnana centres will be set up in the first quarter of year 2003.  Mr. Samarajeewa also mentioned that 100 centres will be set up in every province during the coming years.  He said that the Ministry will give licences for the private sector to set up centres across the country.

Prof. Samarajeewa explained that the centre will comprise of a computer network which will include 12 LAN computers.  These will also include Internet, modern, hardware and software which will suit the needs of the country’s youth.  He also said that the ministry intends to computerize most of the government services in the future.