Microsoft Sri Lanka provides :

Free software to all state universities

When the Sri Lankan Government took the decision to declare 2009 as the Year of English and IT, it served as a challenge for companies to reach out and help the state achieve this progressive vision and aid in the task of disseminating ICT awareness across the length and breadth of the country.

Microsoft Sri Lanka took it upon itself to rise to this and unveiled the 'Software for the 21st Century' occasion and among its many initiatives to complement the Government's efforts, is a project entitled recently at an event held in Colombo. The event was graced by university Vice Chancellors and faculty Deans from numerous Universities and was presided over by Chris Atkinson, Microsoft South East Asia Vice President.

In support of the Government's declaration, 'Software for the 21st Century' will provide all Sri Lankan State Universities with the latest cutting-edge software that will enable each of these institutions to expose their students to the best of world-class technology.

The special significance of this is that Microsoft Sri Lanka decided to donate this range of software to these universities absolutely free. In addition this program will enable the students to obtain genuine versions of the software totally free even for their personal and home use, during their university tenure. Faculty members can also enjoy the same benefits. The total value of the software donated runs into several millions of rupees.

"Microsoft Sri Lanka's investment in this free program will be a blessing for students in higher learning who are denied of opportunities for broadening the knowledge due to affordability issue. It will certainly address the employability problem. This is very timely and opportune in the year of English and IT in Sri Lanka", said Rupa Malini Peiris - Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education.

The Government of Sri Lanka is making extensive efforts aimed at uplifting the IT related standards of Secondary and Tertiary Students, Trainers and NGOs, Teachers and Academia.

Aiding in this endeavour is Microsoft Sri Lanka, a company that has long been a keen patron of many such institutions. Inspired by the state's commitment to usher in tomorrow's IT capabilities to Sri Lanka today, the company - over the past four years - has supported these noble efforts by granting cash of over US $1.5 million towards such initiatives, and expects to keep up the momentum in the years to come.

As part of the extensive national program to increase ICT awareness and ensure far reaching positive effects for all Sri Lankans, MSDNAA (MSDN Academic Alliance) will be offered to the universities as a free program for three consecutive years (download only). This offer will be extended to the eligible departments of educational institutions as it will add great value to the existing education programs offered at the university.

In meeting the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace, new and innovative skills and knowledge have become mandatory and are expected as basic criteria for employability. In creating this world-class fitness for purpose, our universities play a pivotal role by being responsive, demand-led organizations that use e-technology to improve participation, achievements and the progress of their students.

Equipped with significant feedback over the years from all universities Microsoft Sri Lanka devised this program to meet the realities of today and the future.