Sri Lanka to set up ICT network with Japanese help
Minister Rambukwella noted the above following a discussion with visiting Internal Affairs and Communications Minister of Japan, Yoshitaka Shindo and his delegation at the Minister's Office yesterday morning.
He observed that such a ICT network will usher latest technological innovations and assist economic growth while enhancing capacity in sectors, such as, education and communication. He added that this will also help introduce the latest digital broadcasting systems for the country's electronic media.
The Minister recalled that during his tenure as the Minister of Science and Technology, he had taken measures to bring the ICT Act to Parliament. He also identified taking new technology to villages as a task envisioned in the 'Mahinda Chinthana'.
On the occasion, both Ministers exchanged mementos signifying the friendship between the two countries.
Sri Lanka's Ambassador in Japan Admiral (Rtd.) Wasantha Karannagoda, Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Dr. Charitha Herath, Presidential Spokesman and Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Mohan Samaranayake, ITN Chairman Rosmond Senarathne, Government Information Department Director General Prof. Ariyarathna Athugala participated in the discussion.
Japanâ's Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Yoshitaka Shindo yesterday said his country will assist Sri Lanka to set up a comprehensive Information and Communication Technology(ICT) network which will include the latest digital broadcasting systems.
He said this comprehensive ICT package will help link many sectors and will cover the whole island to supplement socio - economic development.
Speaking on the digital broadcasting system, for multimedia services Shindo said it will help systematically integrate various kinds of digital contents involving a variety of services. "This will cover a wide range of requirements that may differ from one service to another" he added.
Addressing the media in Colombo after the end of a two day official visit to the country, Minister Shindo said this comprehensive ICT package including the latest digital broadcasting systems will help Sri Lanka to enhace capabilities in many sectors including, communication, education, infrastructure building, disaster preparedness, health among others.
Speaking at length about the ICT initiative, the Minister noted that if Sri Lanka is satisfied after studying the technical aspects of it including the result of a trial broadcasting of the system, the two government's will go for an agreement to implement it.
He said Japan will lend technological assistance, training of human resources and even financial assistance if necessary.
The Minister expressed his expectation that Sri Lanka would find the new technology advantageous to enhance the living standards of its citizens.
The Minister said he had met President Mahinda Rajapaksa and had also discussed further enhancing existing collaboration between the two countries, including strengthening economic ties.
Responding to questions from Journalists regarding China-Japan ties, Minister Shindo said both countries have stood for world peace and stability and will continue to do so.
He also said both countries will focus on their own bilateral relations with Sri Lanka, answering another question on how Japan viewed growing ties between Sri Lanka and China.
Speaking on the importance of Sri Lanka's geographical location in the Indian Ocean, the Minister said this makes the country strategically important when implementing anti -terrorist and anti-piracy activities and called for enhanced focus on this regard as well.
He said both Sri Lanka and Japan have enjoyed friendly ties over a long period and predicted that these will continue to grow in the future.
Category: ICT Sri lanka, Local, Sri lanka news
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