Chamath declares Google Loon project is win-win for all

Friday, 8 April 2016 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Silicon Valley based venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya (left) addressing the media yesterday. Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando, ICT Agency CEO Muhunthan Canagey, Dialog Axiata Group MD Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya and SLT Group Chairman P. G. Kumarasinghe are also present - Pic by Upul Abayasekara

Sri Lankan born Silicon Valley based venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya yesterday declared that the Project Loon by Google, aspiring to provide reliable internet connectivity to all and being piloted in Sri Lanka was a win-win for all stakeholders in steering the country to greater prosperity.

On a short visit to Sri Lanka, the former Facebook employee and now a major venture capital investor and social entrepreneur, Palihapitiya said Sri Lanka was courageous enough to take onboard the Google Loon project and the collective decision by the Government was in the best interest of the country.

Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando said a 10% extra penetration in quality internet connectivity would boost the GDP by 1.2% and emphasised Sri Lanka was fortunate to have Paliapitiya, who called on President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday, in this initiative given his prowess in the Silicon Valley. “We are on the right track,” he added.

If the one year long trials succeed, Sri Lanka will be the world’s first to embark on an initiative to provide universal internet access and it will be begin connecting nearly 9 million Lankans who are either under-served or un-served by the existing internet infrastructure/service.

Furthermore, Google Loon will also ensure more reliable service and reduce cost for internet service providers saving valuable capital expenditure.

Heads of Sri Lanka Telecom and Dialog Axiata confirmed that the evolving technology was the way forward and are committed to partner the initiative given its benefits.

Palihapitiya commended the visionary leadership and commitment of President Sirisena, Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister Harin Fernando and State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene as well as ICT Agency to reduce empower Sri Lanka and the people via a digital strategy.