Financial Times

ICT education and R&D to receive new focus
By Akhry Ameer
A renewed emphasis would be laid by the Ministry of Science and Technology on the creation of a properly standardized and accredited system of Information Communication Technology (ICT), and on support for research and development (R&D) specifically required for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"A large number of mushroom operations without accreditation or standardization has surfaced in the country. We need to have a properly standardized or accredited system of ICT training institutions in both private and government sectors to produce trained personnel with necessary skills," Professor Tissa Vitharana, the new Minister of Science and Technology told The Sunday Times FT in an interview.

Prof. Vitharana observed that these training institutes do not contribute towards an employable workforce and therefore he hopes to create a system of examinations like the Computer Driving License (CDL) or an equivalent and introduce optional ICT subjects for Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations.

Further, the minister also has plans of improving the quality of R&D to international standards and ensure that they benefit the SME industry. He observed that R&D allocation in the country is one of the lowest in the world and could be associated with the large brain drain of scientists and technologists in the country.

According to him currently the R&D being carried out is focused towards publishing as research papers in journals and presented to the academia. This would be changed to support R&D that solve problems in agricultural industries and other service sectors. He said that President Chandrika Kumaratunga is also very keen that necessary incentives should be provided to create the shift (to R&D being implemented). As salary increases would create anomalies, the problem of low pay below market prices to scientists would be countered through benefits such as housing, vehicles, computers, schooling for children, etc.

Speaking on the eSri Lanka initiative, the minister said he hasn't seen the roadmap document as yet. However, he was of the view that many of these initiatives were begun before the last government took office. Prof. Vitharana said the need for competence in ICT was recognized before the last government through the Council for Information Technology (CINTEC). Through CINTEC a number of activities directed to promoting ICT as a means of generating employment, introducing to all sectors of government, linking of ministries, creating the necessary legal safeguards were "all initiated during our time," he said, referring to the period when he was an advisor to the ministry then.

He added, "though we didn't have the same fanfare we initiated the setting up of the basic groundwork to promote this area. However, I am happy to note that the last government gave it the highest priority and took it forward. It is my intention to continue promoting ICT in every possible way with the cooperation of both public and private sector."

Particular attention would also be paid to avoid the growth of the digital gap within the country. The minister called for a balance in opportunities rather than it being determined by the ability to pay. "While ensuring all those who can afford are able to develop their potentials, I would like to ensure talented youth from rural backgrounds are also provided with necessary opportunities to develop their skills. This would mean that there may have to be some degree of state intervention and granting of scholarships by the private sector."

In general, the ministry would also strive to bridge the technology gap through the identification of appropriate technology for the country. The minister explained that technology should not just be transferred from developed countries as their focus is on capital intensive, labour saving technology. However, Sri Lanka would have to be selective due to its high unemployment rates and limited capital resources. "Therefore, we need intermediate technology to provide necessary jobs that require capital outlay. This is the different approach we intend to take," Prof Vitharana added.

TRC, Mobitel reach settlement
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) and cellular operator Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd on Thursday reached a settlement on the dispute of the operator offering a promotional free calls offer in December last year prior to its commercial launch.

The two parties agreed to withdraw their respective legal actions against each other upon Mobitel's payment of Rs. 2 million as final settlement. The sum would cover Rs. 1.5 million in legal costs and Rs. 500,000 in recognition of the telecom watchdog's authority.

Mobitel prior to its commercial launch offered potential subscribers a connection offering free calls for a period of two months, causing long queues outside its offices. Bulk of the connection fee was also allowed to be redeemed upon expiry of the trial period if the subscriber does not wish to hold on to the connection. TRC cited this promotion as being in contravention of Mobitel's license conditions and filed an application in the Fort Magistrate's Court. Mobitel countered this with a Writ Application in the Court of Appeal, while operators and subscribers filed applications to intervene and protect their interests.

However, industry sources expressed dissatisfaction over the final outcome of the dispute. Officials who did not wish to be identified were of the opinion that Mobitel emerged the winner. They said the operator was able to defy authority, run a promotion and attract a large customer base. They added that this doesn't deter any other operator from defying TRC authority in the future.

Another official said the quantum of fine was not the issue but investigations by TRC should have gone through the full process and found the operator guilty or not.

NAITA to conduct Computer Driving Licence in the provinces
The National Apprentice and Training Authority (NAITA) appointed Singapore Informatics Computer Institute as its first principal partner to conduct the Sri Lanka Computer Driving Licence (SLCDL) courses through its centres situated across the country.

As the principal partner, Singapore Informatics will conduct the SLCDL courses in its 12 centres islandwide and also take necessary action to setup a minimum of 50 franchise computer schools to conduct the programme and other internationally recognized courses.

NAITA is the government approved authority to award SLCDL licences and conducting of Trade Tests for providing computer skills required by government, private sector and foreign employment.

Singapore Informatics plans to train 50,000 school leavers and 25,000 employed persons in government and the private sector within a period of three years to sit for the licence examinations. The institute will also charge a special discounted fee that includes two study texts to ensure affordability for the masses.

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