ICTA ‘E-Swabhimani’ trail blazers win big at World Summit Awards 2021

• Two big wins for Sri Lanka under the categories Culture and Tourism by ‘Kathuwaraya’ and Young Innovators by ‘Coco Remedy’.

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka yesterday announced that two of the ‘E Swabhimani’ - Digital Social Impact Awards’ candidates nominated to represent Sri Lanka at the World Summit Awards 2021 had been selected as winners in each of their categories. 

Eight ‘E Swabhmani’ nominations were put forward to represent Sri Lanka on an international scale, out of which ‘Kathuwaraya’ was selected winner of the ‘Culture and Tourism’ category, the first time that Sri Lanka has won in this category. ‘Coco Remedy’ was selected as winner of the ‘Young Innovators’ category.

The ‘World Summit Awards’ is a unique platform that selects and promotes local digital innovation to improve society. Combined with an ongoing series of international events and activities with a global network of start-ups, social entrepreneurs, mentors, jurors, speakers, experts, government leaders, academia and civil society, the World Summit Awards is an international platform for cutting edge examples of how ICT can impact society in a positive way. With over 17 years of international experience, World Summit Awards is a quality seal for digital content with societal impact in over 182 participating countries, working with a daily growing network of thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, government and business representatives and young founders. World Summit Awards also showcases a prime selection of 45 winners per year through a democratic, inclusive and highly competitive award system.

‘Kathuwaraya’ is an innovative platform in Sri Lanka tailor made to enhance the reading experience of users. The platform is dedicated towards helping both amateur and professional authors. Providing the freedom to choose from the largest Sinhalese language novels repository in Sri Lanka. ‘Kathuwaraya’ mobile app is a hassle-free way to find your favourite Sinhalese language novels and short stories. With over 50,000 android app users, 200+ authors, a growing community of Sinhala language readers and writers contributing to ‘Kathuwaraya’, the platform is available in iOS, Android and Web.

The app will notify the users whenever new stories are added to the platform. Users can search, filter, bookmark and give feedback on the stories through the app. Authors as well as users can use ‘Kathuwaraya’ community feature to share their creative ideas. ‘Kathuwaraya’ helps amateur authors to build up a significant and engaging fan base within a short period of time.

Coco Remedy is the first mobile and web-based application developed in Sri Lanka that provides surveillance and identification of coconut diseases and pest infestations. The research for this program was conducted in collaboration with the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka (CRISL). 

Coco Remedy uses mobile and web-based software to manage Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease (WCLWD) and Coconut Caterpillar Infestation (CCI), which devastate coconut cultivation. In WCLWD, yellowing of leaves which also associates with Magnesium deficiency makes it difficult to distinguish the diseased palms accurately. Similarly, the dried appearance of leaves due to CCI is difficult to distinguish from leaf scorching. Coconut growers, Estate managers of plantation companies, Researchers of Coconut Research Institute (CRISL), Coconut Development Officers (CDOs) and the general public will be able to identify diseased palm accurately by capturing a photograph of a leaf with symptoms.

Commenting on the win ICTA Chairman Oshada Senanayake stated: “We are extremely proud that our local innovators have captured the limelight on an international scale. This goes to show the hidden talent Sri Lanka has as a nation. We at ICTA are constantly driving initiatives to support our local start-ups to come to the forefront and expand their businesses. Start-ups will be a key driving force towards becoming a $ 3 billion export earner by 2024 and positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for start-ups and technology innovation”.

ICTA congratulates both ‘Coco Remedy’ and ‘Kathuwaraya’ for their success and making the nation proud.