Removing language barriers in computer applications:

President commends ICTA
 

The first copy of the new local language interface software jointly developed by Microsoft and ICTA was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Monday. From left : President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Microsoft Sri Lanka Country Manager Shriyani de Silva Wijeyeratne, ICTA’s Chairman Prof P. W. Epasinghe, Microsoft Sri Lanka H.R. Director Channa de Silva, ICTA’s Chief Operating Officer Reshan Dewapura, President’s Secretary Lalith Weerathunga and ICTA’s Director Jayantha Fernando

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the step taken by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) for the removal of language barriers in computer applications is highly commendable.

The first copy of the new local language interface software was presented to the President at Temple trees on Monday. The President said that it was the intention of the Government to further enable people in rural areas to use the computer particularly in the local languages.

This new local language software has been prepared jointly by Microsoft and ICTA.

Accordingly Sri Lankans are now able to perform computer applications as well as use interfaces in Sinhala.

ICTA’s Chairman Prof. P. W. Epasinghe, Chief Operating Officer Reshan Dewapura and Microsoft Sri Lanka Country Manager Shriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne presented the software to the President.

President Rajapaksa emphasized the importance of increasing the indigenous content available through the computer.

Through the e-Sri Lanka program the Government intends to ensure that the benefits of ICT accrue to every citizen of this country. The President stressed the importance of enabling every citizen to have access to the benefits of ICT without language being a hindrance.

The President also commended Microsoft for the steps taken by it to make the local language software freely available to all Sri Lankans.

Meanwhile, a special message from Microsoft founder Bill Gates to the President was presented to the President on the occasion.

President’s Secretary Lalith Weerathunga, ICTA’s Director Jayantha Fernando and Channa de Silva of Microsoft also participated.