ICT for rural businesses

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) in collaboration with the Industrial Services Bureau has launched a project for taking the dividends of ICT to the small scale businesses in remote villages.

The project centred around Kurunegala, Dambulla and Tambuttegama introduces two key training modules for managing a successful business - computer-based accounting and computer-based business education.

The main task carried out in computer-based accounting is to enable computerisation of business accounting activities by introducing a computer software. The program provides for installation of the software, providing training in the proper use of the software and offers post-installation services.

The only prerequisite to avail oneself of the benefits of this project is that he/she possesses a computer. The project is currently in place targeting 30 beneficiaries.

The computer-based business education program aims at making even the small businessman inculcate the habit of using ICT as a continuous educational tool.

As a first phase of this, conducting a computer-based course covering business accounting, taxes and business communication has commenced. Further information about this project could be obtained by accessing www.isb.lk, the web-site of the Industrial Services Bureau.