Technology should benefit people - President in Tanzania

The end result of modern technology should raise people's living standards and ensure sustainable development, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in Tanzania.

President Rajapaksa, who was on a state visit to Tanzania, participated in the inaugural sessions of 2013 Global Smart Partnership Dialogue as a co-moderator with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. The theme of the first session was "Leveraging Technology for Smart Growth in Socio-Economic Transformation."

The Smart Partnership Dialogue was introduced two decades ago by the then Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

The broad objective of the initiative was to ensure international cooperation in utilizing latest developments in technology and production techniques for the benefit, especially of developing countries.

Addressing the gathering President Rajapaksa acknowledged the role played by the former Malaysian Prime Minister in introducing this concept. He stated that technology should be used to distribute economic development evenly to the masses.

The President said the technological divide between the developed and developing nations should be eliminated, which will globally create equal economic opportunities. "Technology, including Information and Communication Technology helps making a "forward leaping frog" in a nation's development road map. In Sri Lanka, we have been able to use ICTs to improve public service delivery in many fields," the President said.

Leaders of the African region and and senior officials were attending the dialogue. President Rajapaksa exchanged views on issues of bilateral importance with them.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister Mervyn Silva, External Affairs Ministry Monitoring MP Sajin Vaas de Gunawardena, Parliamentarians Lohan Ratwatte and Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal are accompanying the President.