(by Gamini Perera)

I see many regulations that are an impediment to the further development of information technology (IT) in Sri Lanka, said Milinda Moragoda, Economic Reforms, Science and Technology,  Minister at the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Campus of Webcom Technologies Lanka (Pvt) Limited in Colombo last Friday.  He said that the government will shortly introduce a ‘road map’ to provide training to budding IT professionals to help them choose the right career. “Many policy documents on IT had been introduced in the past.  But, it is disheartening to note that nothing concrete had come out of these policy documents”, he said.  The Minister said that Sri Lanka would have even surpassed India in its achievements in IT had previous governments ventured into providing solutions to IT and Webcom technologies.

“It is time that we learnt from past experiences and the government will unveil the proposed road-map this month”, he assured.  The Minister stated that “creativity, innovation and passion encompass the latest elements of the IT industry”.  “The government is presently in the process of rapid expansion by means of strategic alliances in different segments.  But, the government alone cannot achieve much success, because it has no proper sense in this field”, he noted.  Speaking further, the minister said that the utmost strength of Webcom Technology lies in understanding the current technologies all across the world.

He also stated that the telecommunication sector too plays a key role and it is a vital aspect to spread IT in Sri Lanka.  “IT must begin at school level, as the nurseries lie therein.  State of the art education must be provided to all the young and aspiring minds in the country, with various IT curriculums distributed and implemented in schools”, said Moragoda.

He stressed the need for correct human resources being found to impart knowledge to the students.  He concluded by saying that a proper concept of convergence, like in Malaysia, should be introduced and adopted in Sri Lanka.  The chairman, Webcom Technologies Lanka (Pvt) Limited, Sunil Piyawardene, said that this institution is a part of Webcom technologies, USA.  Webcom Technologies is said to be a pioneer IT and web training, manpower development and consulting institute.  “We will be imparting state-of-the art education to all the young and aspiring minds in Sri Lanka, with various IT curriculums which are certified by foreign universities”, said Piyawardene.

“Students can now have education from foreign universities, without actually being in foreign countries.  This will be made possible through the virtual campus providing linkages with universities such as the University of Honolulu, USA, Sikkim Manipal University and Kurukshetra University, India”, stated the chairman.  He added that, “Corporates can now well benefit from the wide range of IT training they can avail through us.  The various curriculums are designed so as to cater to the needs of specific individuals and professions”.  “Ours is not just about quality education, but also about being backed by a guarantee of a quality job”, he stressed.  Sudanshu Malhotra, president, Webcom Technologies, USA in his speech said: “It is my firm belief that we would emerge as the strongest leader in providing quality education to all aspiring students in Sri Lanka, not just because we have a sound track record in doing that already, but more because of our vision of providing quality education which can lead to a quality job”.