The Mini INFOTEL Jaffna, which is the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Exhibition under the theme "Re-awakening with ICT" which commened on February 26 will end today at the Vembady Girls High School with the objective of promoting ICT in the northern region. TiGO (Pvt) Ltd has come forward as the pinnacle sponsor of the largest ICT Expo to be held in Jaffna.

FITIS CEO Damith Hettihewa outlining the Mini Infotel Jaffna program said, "In addition to the 3 day exhibition, the Mini INFOTEL exhibition will also feature an ICT career guidance program and innovation and entrepreneurship training for northern youth. The ICT career guidance program is supported by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the Ministry of Education."

His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Commenting on the 'Reawakening with ICT' the Mini Infotel Jaffna Exhibition of 2010, President Mahinda Rajapakse said, "The initiative taken by the Federation of Information Technology Industry of Sri Lanka to hold this event in Jaffna and promote ICT in this region is both relevant and timely, and therefore worthy of commendation. This event brings into focus that it is time for people of all parts of Sri Lanka, including the North, to face the challenges of the globalized world by being empowered with knowledge of ICT.

A very significant feature of this event is the training in ICT skills, innovation and entrepreneurship to victims of the recent conflict who are being rehabilitated in facilities at Kaithady, Tellippalai and Seetikulam. This is a very important step to reintegrate them into society and give them opportunity to start a new life with skills necessary for their own progress and the national workforce. I am glad to note that school leavers too will benefit from the ICT Career Guidance programme offered to enable them to identify their strengths in choosing a suitable career.

The interest created among unemployed graduates in enhancing their capabilities through skills in ICT will help overcome the lack of creativity and give them the ability to function in the contemporary working environment. This Exhibition would, therefore, help both in instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship and tapping the latent capabilities of unemployed graduates.

This will no doubt lead to the business community of Jaffna utilizing the skills available in the region, which will be further enhanced by the Business Forum designed to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on improving their businesses. The ability to hold this Exhibition in Jaffna is proof of the new era of peace and democracy that now exist in the country.

As a government that has given the highest priority to the expansion of Information Technology in the country, we are glad that the Federation of Information Technology Industry of Sri Lanka has ventured into the Jaffna region, which is known for its willingness to absorb new knowledge in the path to progress. I trust the people of Jaffna will take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Mini Infotel Jaffna Exhibition of 2010 and wish it all success."