Online edition of Daily News

Minister of Economic Reforms, Science and Technology, Milinda Moragoda in conversation with Minister of Information Technology and Communications in India, Pramod Mahajan. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in India Mangala Moonesinghe is also in the picture.

Milinda Moragoda, Minister for Economic Reforms, Science and Technology as a special representative of Sri Lankan Government met Pramod Mahajan, Minister for Information Technology and Communication of India at New Delhi recently.

The objectives and plans of the E-Sri Lanka project which was initiated recently by Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe were outlined at this meeting. The ministers also held discussions on the development and benefits of Information Technology sector in both countries.

The ministers agreed to exchange preparatory groups in order to sign a treaty to promote the experience of both countries in the computer and information communication sector.

Attention was also drawn to obtain Indian support to Sri Lanka in popularising information technology in sectors such as State Ruling, Industries, Enterprise Development and Education.

The ministers held discussions about introducing rules in Sri Lanka and some recent Acts that had been approved by the India's Parliament to develop the information technology sector.

Minister Moragoda outlined the Multimedia University which is under construction with aid from the Multi Media University in Malaysia and said Japan has agreed to provide aid for this program. He said that if the Indian information technology sector can be involved in this program it would help establish a Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka triangular Multimedia University which will provide international education to Sri Lankan youth.

Minister Moragoda said that telecommunication and computer technology is not yet developed in distant areas in Sri Lanka and added the country was keen to set up communication centres and cyber cafes in villages.

Minister Pramod Mahajan said that the Multimedia University can be connected to the Andra and Malayanadu states in India and outlined the program launched by the Indian government to provide at least one telephone to each village in India.

"If the people are facilitated it will be a benefit. It is our duty as representatives of the people. Minister Moragoda invited Minister Pramod Mahajan to visit Sri Lanka. The Minister accepting the invitation said that a delegation team to discuss the facilities will be sent to Sri Lanka in January.