ICTA initiated Nenasala' lab in Ampara fulfils a dire need: Minister Siyambalapitiya

'The permanent Nenasala computer laboratory inaugurated on 25th March at the Hardy Advanced Technology Institute, Amapara (HATI) fulfils a dire need', says Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. "As the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) is wont to do, this time too it has come out with a mechanism for accelerated development through ICT", the Minister commended.

The Minister paid this tribute to ICTA while participating in officially launching the unique and first Nanenala computer laboratory at HATI, the venue of Deyata Kirula 2013.

Speaking further on the occasion the Minister pointed out the significance of the newly set up Nenasala laboratory at HATI. "This permanent computer laboratory will open the vistas for unimaginable ICT benefits for its users both directly or indirectly. Every year about 600 applications are received by HATI to follow courses conducted at the institute. Till now it has been possible to admit only about 30 students annually for courses at HATI . However now that this permanent Nenasala computer laboratory is in place, it will be possible to grant admission to at least 50 students to follow ICT related courses", the Minister explained.

Parallel to Deyata Kirula 2013 (March 2329), ICT facilities in areas close to where the event is held are being improved, says ICTA . This Nenasala computer laboratory will be a permanent shot in the arm for ICT-related development island-wide but particularly in the area. The launch of this Nenasala laboratory is an apt coincidence in view of the proposal to upgrade HATI as an ICT University. This 20-computer Nenasala Laboratory set up at HATI is equipped with modern ICT facilities including Wi-Fi.

Singer Sri Lanka, together with Intel supports this ICTA initiative.

ICTA also entered on this date (25/03/2013) into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intel Sri Lanka on the adoption of the Intel® Easy Steps. Intel® Easy Steps Programme is a basic technology literacy education initiative. It is provided free of charge by Intel to governments and NGOs around the world, to train adult learners with little or no experience with computers. ICTA will be be using this as the primary instruction module for fundamental technology education at its Nenasala's.