A step forward in Communication

Translated by K.D.M. Kiththampahuwa

"Good Vision and Proper Management" has been the critical factor behind the rapid development in the field of Posts and Telecommunications,"

Rapid development in Posts and Telecommunication is of vital importance to a developing country. Mahinda Chintanaya provides for an efficient and modern communication for the advancement of the country.

The principal objective of all development projects undertaken since 2005 under the Mahinda Chintanaya is to build public confidence in the country's posts and telecommunication services through qualititative improvement.

********

A people-friendly service

In order to meet the future challenges, many a development project has been undertaken to ensure the rapid improvement of the infrastructure facilities. If new post offices are to be completed and commissioned before the end of this year; already nine have been completed while the construction work of 17 is progressing.

New post offices have already been opened in Medirigiriya, Talawatugoda, Mattegoda, Ittapana, Neluwa, Pundaluoya, Muruthalawa, Akurana and Kokkadicholai.

New post offices are under construction at Akkaraipattu (Central), Akkaraipattu (Urban) Wattegama, Badulla, Melsiripura and Kokkadicholai Divisional Postal Secretary's Office.

Construction work has already begun at Yatawatte, Dankotuwa, Gampaha Kachcheri, Alaveddi, Walasmulla, Gonapinuwala, Pallebedda, Sigiriya, Palaviya and Wanduramba.

********

Expansion of post office network

It has been planned to open up 1,254 new agency post offices. Already 46 have been opened under the programme of expanding the country's post office network.

21 post offices - Matara, Kamburugamuwa, Weligama, Dikwella, Kottegoda, Galle, Mirissa, Ambalangoda, Ahangama, Habaraduwa, Hikkaduwa, Kalmunai, Wakaray, Batticaloa, Kalkudah, Hambantota, Negombo, Trincomalee and Mullativu were renovated since they were destroyed by the tsunami. Nine vans, three cabs and 225 bicycles were supplied to tsunami-hit parts of the country so as to improve the postal transport service.

********

A rapid postal service

To expand the Central Transport System six more new vans were added. Uniforms for 84 sub-post masters and promotions for the postal staff were given with the objective of improving the human resources in the postal sector. Action has already been taken to fill the vacancies in all executive grades.

Furthermore, 4,000 registered substitutes were also recruited. Opportunity to transact business with the Sampath Bank through the post office is a deviation from the traditional postal structure. Prepaid Mobitel Cards too could now be purchased from the postal outfits.

********

Development of postal service through joint-business enterprises

Insurance certificates in respect of burglaries, accidents, fire & motor vehicles could now be secured through the post offices.

Plans are afoot to open up a stamp exhibition centre and a postal museum. A catalogue of all stamps hitherto issued by the postal authorities will be prepaid to the benefit of children.

Arrangements have been made to provide Bell Telephone connection to 1,500 rural post offices. Already 378 connections have been given whilst the balance will be provided in due course.

********

Postal museum

Telephone booths covering a large number of areas, including all divisional secretariats have since been installed. With the expansion of the telephone network the number of Lanka Bell subscribers has escalated to 250,967. SL Telecom have a record number of 1.1 million subscribers whilst those of Hutch, Dialog, Celltell & Mobitel have risen up to 5 million.

"Good Vision and Proper Management" has been the critical factor behind the rapid development in the field of Posts and Telecommunications," remarked Minister D.M. Jayaratne.

Information Technology to the village

Nana Sala was meant to give effect to the novel concept of global village. It was however, then Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa who was instrumental in introducing the Nana Sala concept of service and technology to the village.

Has what the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said about Science and Technology became a reality to practical terms?

It is proposed here to examine the efforts made to realise the objectives anticipated by him.

It was Mahinda Chintanaya that underscored the importance of the special programme,' Vidatha', meant to bring technology to the village.

The rationale behind the new scheme was to provide technology to the small and medium scale employers of the ruralfolk and to improve their scientific knowledge.

The task of supervision and implementation of the new 'Vidatha' programme has been entrusted to the Science and Technology Ministry. According to Minister Tissa Vitharana action is being taken to set up a Vidatha Resource Centre in each divisional secretary's area.

Already such centres have been established in 150 divisional secretaries' areas including. Ruwanwella, Bibile, Moneragale, Aranayake, Rajanganaya, Matara, Kebitigollewa, Medawachchiya, Kalumani and Alayadivembu.

By end of next year we would be able to realise the set target of 300, the minister optimistically assured.

********

A Vidatha centre for each Divisional Secretary's area

We have come across several small and medium scale enterprises that have applied the Vidatha technology to preserve such perishables as vegetables and fruits and to increase the productivity of Kitul and rice flour-related products. The graduates who are in charge of these enterprises bear testimony to the efficacy of the technological know-how applied.

Instruction of locally-suited technologies, strengthening of the Vidatha Centre, and similer responsibilities are in store for those enterprises. ********

Introductions of Nanotechnology

Cabinet has recently sanctioned the set-up of a Nano Technology Centre and a subsidiary titled, Nano Technology Park. Arrangements are being made to open up the new technological centres next year. It is a matter for satisfaction that the outdated National Science and Technology Policy has been grafted a new face-lift.

********

A new National Policy for Science and Technology

Mahinda Chintanaya envisages a new era for Information and Communication. ICTA, the agency in charge of the subjects of Information and Communication is changed with the responsibility of implementing the E-Sri Lanka Development Programme.

********

E-Sri Lanka Development Programme

The ICTA functions directly under the Presidential Secretariat, to facilitate its responsibility to integrate the entire Ministry/Corporation/Department network into one organic whole for information technology.

One of the notable achievements of the ICTA is the State Information Centre which has become highly popular among the people. The State Information Centre, easily accessible to the public through 1919 is a progressive idea conceived by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Nana Sala controlled by ICTA is another agency charged with the responsibility of bringing technology to the village. As at now 299 Nana Sala centres have been opened in a number of areas. The 300th Nana Sala, a mobile centre is due to be opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to mark the first year commemoration of his ascension to Presidency.

********

Computer knowledge to the village through Nana Sala

The main task of that novel programme is to set-up Nana Sala Centres within temples, churches, kovils and community centres to primarily serve the public interest, says ICTA Chairman, Prof. V.K. Samaranayake.

ICTA has also embarked upon a programme to integrate all government ministries, corporations through information technology. Work on stage 1 of the project has been commenced. As an initial step, websites have been designed for more than 50 State bodies and computer training centres have been organized for government workers.

In addition, an E-Social Development Fund has also been established by the ICTA for the benefit of the low-income youth groups, students of the disabled.

The amount set apart for this project is Rs. 25 million.

Despite the progress achieved on what is provided for in the Mahinda Chintanaya, it has to be acknowledged that there are still shortcomings in the science and technology field.

It shall therefore be our bounden duty to overcome these constraints and realise the set targets as quickly as possible.