Failure not an option for ICTA

ICTA Chairman Professor P. W. Epasinghe explains that the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has worked hard to achieve its ambitious national e-development program since 2005.

Within seven years, ICTA managed to reach its destination in e-Sri Lanka in various fields. “Failure was not an option for ICTA during these years”, Professor Epasinghe pointed out delivering his inspiring speech, at the celebration of IT Day at D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo.   

ICTA Chairman Peradeniya University chancellor and senior Presidential Advisor Professor P. W. Epasinhge delivering his speech celebrating the IT Day at D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo

“Many things which ICTA struggled with at the start are now the norm. Government organisations are connected with us, using Unicode Sinhala and Tamil is the norm, while local language content is available over 300 tri-lingual Government websites are now available.  

Sinhala and Tamil blogs as well as e-Services are available. Government Corporates are mostly capable of using ICT nowadays,” he said.  There is more to be done, but what has already been done augurs well for the future. “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”  At ICTA, a few professionals, who were educated in Sri Lanka dedicated their lives to make this dream come true.

As Paulo Coelho the author of one of the best selling books in history, ‘The Alchemist’ which has sold more than 65 millions copies world-wide and has been translated into 71 languages, earning  a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most translated book, says, “Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is that you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”

“As students in whom the future of Sri Lanka lies, I am pleased to be able to urge you to move forward, never accepting ‘no’ for an answer and believing that there is always a better way out in all situations,” he concluded.