Boost for telecommunications sector by using satellite technology

Thushara Kaluarachchi

MEDIRIGIRIYA: A programme to strengthen the telecommunications sector by using Satellite Technology has been initiated said Posts, Telecommunications and Rural Economic Development Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

The World Satellite Union, already operating in 181 countries, in which Minister D.M. Jayaratne is an Executive Director has granted assistance in order to carry out this programme.

He said at the opening ceremony of the new Medirigiriya Postal Office which was built at a cost of Rs. 6 million that the telecommunication system in Sri Lanka is making swift progress when compared to other South Asian countries. Due to the destruction caused to over 80 post offices, by the tsunami, the Government has had to face a loss of over Rs. 245 million. Minister Jayaratne said that 27 post offices have been completed during this year while 19 were rebuilt in the rural areas in 2005. The total cost for these projects is put at over Rs. 230 million.

The Medirigiriya post office was earlier housed in a Maternity Ward building built in 1965. The Minister also said that this rural region under threat by the L.T.T.E is being protected under the 'Jathika Saviya' programme.

Though funds has been allocated to the area, the Minister said that the primary concern of the Government is to focus on the lack of the number of teachers available in the area.

The Minster explained that we should aim for economic growth by increasing production. In order to achieve these goals, people should actively participate in the development sphere.

Contrasting the present openness in asking for aid and grants, he said that only through Government and public cooperation could the country hope to develop.

Expressing concerns about the non-availability of clean drinking water in the area, Consumer Service and Sales Development Minister Siripala Gamlath said that another programme implemented under the 'Mahindha Chinthanaya' will be put into action in order to provide the area with clean drinking water.