Moratuwa University to hold CLSA 2010

The Conference on Localized Systems and Applications 2010 (CLSA 2010), organized by the Moratuwa University, Centre of Excellence in Localized Applications, will be held on August 20 and 21 for the second successive time. The inaugural Symposium was held in 2009 at the Moratuwa University.

The Centre Director Professor Gihan Dias said, "We have been working over a period of over ten years to enable people to use ICT in local languages such as Sinhala and Tamil.

To work in Sinhala or Tamil, all terms associated with computer operating systems, web browsers and search engines should be translated to local languages. We also need support for each type of device, such as computers, mobile phones, etc.

Our aim is to create the infrastructure to enable people who are not experts in English to connect with the modern world according to their aptitude and benefit from the latest technology."

Many professionals of renown have joined the endeavour to localize ICT terms.

Dr Sanath Jayasena, Prof Asoka Karunananda, Dr. Sandagomi Coperahewa and Harsha Wijewardena are some of these esteemed professionals who are endeavouring to make ICT work in local languages. According to the Centre of Excellence in Localized Applications, papers covering the fields of local language support in hardware and operating systems, localized software, local language content and games and promotion and dissemination of local language computing can be presented at the Conference on Localized Systems and Applications 2010.

Localization of IT applications is a common phenomenon in the world today. Various countries have used it as a means of promoting ICT and its benefits to the local language users and thus heading towards the goal of connecting every individual in the global village through ICT.