SLT imparts career guidance at Rajarata Aruna

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the nations premier telecom provider was a prominent participant at the Rajarata Aruna at the recently concluded trade fair in Anuradhapura.

SLTs participation is a clear demonstration of its commitment to address challenges and connect rural communities and to boost efficiency through the promotion of communication services like mobile telephony and internet within the Anuradhapura district.

Realising that entrepreneurs are a wellspring of opportunity, many rural communities are refocusing their economic development efforts. Instead of trying to lure in new businesses from other areas, they are trying to grow their own. But rural entrepreneurs face their own set of unique challenges, one of which is easy connectivity.

SLTs extended presence and participation and demonstrations will be an incentive for SMEs and professionals to further their businesses and also as a motivation for youth in career guidance. Rural entrepreneurs may be challenged by their location, access to capital, access to technology and skill levels.

Rural entrepreneurs also tend to build smaller businesses that generate lower incomes and SLT intends to focus on such high-growth entrepreneurs, which many community leaders see as providing a more significant economic benefit.

Chairman, SLT Anil Obeyesekere, PC, says knowing entrepreneurship is an important key to stimulating economic development through the creation of successful small businesses, which are the type of business that drive rural economies, it is vital that Sri Lanka Telecom adds its strength in making this a reality.

Sharing his views Chief Marketing Officer of SLT Kapila Chandrasena said Sri Lanka cannot truly advantage itself of its growing strength in the field of information technologies without servicing its own domestic needs first, particularly those in rural areas.

Whether it's to meet the rapid growth in rural consumer and durable goods consumption, create new educational opportunities, stem the flow of people to urban areas, improve market functioning, connectivity has a significant role in the solution. SLT took this as an opportunity to impart ICT knowledge and provide career guidance to the rural community of Sri Lanka.

Over a period of three years SLT has being conducting a series of seminars for the school children all over the island, on internet and its applications under the theme of web spinners unite. And also SLT has conducted series of carrier guidance programs targeting school children and the Universities students.