Envoy calls for knowledge-based paradigm

India and Sri Lanka need a knowledge-oriented paradigm of development to give its people and institutions a competitive advantage in the fields of knowledge and the library professionals in both countries can help in the realization of this vision, stated Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha.

He was addressing the 51st Annual General Meeting of Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) held at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

The high commissioner dwelt upon the impact of technological advancements especially in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) which has revolutionized the entire approach to how information is stored, processed and accessed. Technological innovations have resulted in the availability of huge volumes of information, he said. Therefore, libraries in India and Sri Lanka need to make a paradigm shift from their present strategy of collection or acquisition of knowledge to a strategy of knowledge access, he pointed out.

The high commissioner suggested training of library and information science professionals from Sri Lanka at centres of excellence in India through various schemes and programmes of the government of India such as the ITEC and the Colombo Plan. The gesture was warmly appreciated by the President, Council and members of the SLAA.

High Commissioner Kantha said that Sri Lanka is well positioned to forge ahead as an economy, as a society and as a country after three decades of internal conflict and is poised to take advantage of the peace dividend and move towards reconciliation, peace, prosperity and development. He underlined that India as the closest neighbour and friend is ready to be Sri Lanka's partner in this journey.

He added that at the same time India is ready to reap the benefits of the growing economy and has the huge demographic advantage to sustain momentum of growth. He emphasized that the timing was perfect for the two countries to be partners in progress.