Enhancing the lives of the people:

'Technology primary criterion in a country'

Technology should be there in a country to enhance the quality of lives of people of that country. It is the primary criterion, said KBSL Information Technologies Limited Chairman Rahal A. Gunaratne.

How do you compare the development of technology in Sri Lanka with the other countries in the region?

The technological development in Sri Lanka in the telecommunication, banking and finance sectors is high compared to other countries. During a short period of time, several telecommunication service providers have arrived in the country and established themselves well.

The growth in the telecommunication sector has been phenomenal due to the market potential. In order to compete with the mobile service providers, the fixed line service providers too had to improve their services. Hence, the technology of the Sri Lankan telecommunication sector developed rapidly surpassing other sectors. In the banking and finance sectors too technology development has been rapid compared with other countries of the region. There is a high potential in Sri Lanka to adopt technology; therefore, a growth is obvious in technology.

Furthermore, the Government has from time to time taken the initiative to develop the IT industry specially by propagating IT in rural areas thereby making space for the industry to grow.

How could a developing country like Sri Lanka adopt technology for development?

Human capital is the most important requirement for a country to reach the status of development. Technology can be used for education and to integrate the healthcare system. Technology can also be used to fulfil the requirements of the people such as electricity and water and it will drive the country to higher productivity.

Technological developments can be used for the development of the food sources as well and to maximize yield and to reduce wastage. Introducing technology in the transportation sector will ensure a more efficient and cost effective transportation system. There are a few examples of how Sri Lanka could adopt technology to development. With proper technology in place the productivity improves and the country will be developed.

At what position does Sri Lanka stand in the globalization of technology?

Sri Lanka is still at its infancy in technology. Sri Lanka has not utilized its human capital properly to improve technology. The people themselves only develop technology.

Therefore, if Sri Lanka could harness human capital and provide required facilities and guide them properly, Sri Lanka can be one of the leaders among the technology providers.

How do you see the incidence of young people learning information technology in Sri Lanka?

Every Sri Lankan from every nook and corner of the island should acquire the knowledge on information technology.

The main objective of any technology is to improve the quality of life. Self-education and gaining knowledge is possible with the initial knowledge of technology.

What is your advice to young people who attempt to climb the corporate ladder?

My advice is that if one needs to climb the corporate ladder, such a person has to have honesty, integrity and confidentiality in what she/he does. He/she should always know what to speak, when to speak and where to speak.

Whatever the field one is engaged in, one should acquire knowledge on that field. Human capital management, time management and leadership are equally important for a person to reach higher positions in the corporate ladder.

What are the services provided by KBSL and what are the future plans of the company?

KBSL is a company dealing with information communication technology such as networking and telecommunication. We have ventured into ICT consultancy and software hosting solution. We provide IT management services and outsourcing services. In order to provide these services we have partnered leading companies such as IBM, Avaya, Cisco and Juniper.

What is the contribution of KBSL to the growth of Sri Lanka?

KBSL values its human capital immensely. Therefore, it has always invested in them by providing adequate training and the latest knowledge. The most important contribution KBSL has made to the ICT industry in Sri Lanka over a period of time is the provision of highly competent and knowledgeable personnel.

The other most important contribution is that KBSL as a pioneering company in the ICT sector has always been inspired by innovation. KBSL took the responsibility to the introduction of new and innovative technology to Sri Lanka namely, in the areas of communication, networking, server and storage solution and network security. KBSL being a pioneer ICT company always maintains high standards in all its activities.

What is your philosophy in life?

To be a good human being.

How do you spend your leisure?

I like to holiday with my family.

What is the country you wish to visit outside Sri Lanka?

European countries and India are my favourite places.

What is the place you wish to visit in Sri Lanka?

Arugambay and the Knuckles range.