Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka

Introduction

The information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka were created under an Act of the Parliament of Sri Lanka to develop information and communication technologies (ICT) in Sri Lanka. The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka takes the role of promotion, development, and management of ICTs in Sri Lanka.

This article explains how the agency operates, who runs it, what its services are, and how to contact them if you want more information or want to use any of their services.

Some definitions

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, or ICTA, was established in 2009. The agency’s main task is to provide information technology (IT) services to the public sector. It focuses on these four broad areas:

ICT infrastructure support

ICT human resource development

ICT application support

ICT policy formulation, implementation, and coordination.

About ICTA

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka is a state body that has been responsible for the IT industry in Sri Lanka since its inception. It was established under the provisions of the ICT Act No. 25 of 2006. Its purpose, as prescribed by law, is to encourage the development and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) within Sri Lankan society intending to enhance competitiveness in ICT-related sectors.

The agency’s vision is to be a world-class leader in shaping knowledge societies through innovative ICT solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.

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Assisting Small Businesses in ICT Development

The ICTA was founded to assist small businesses in ICT development. The ICTA helps business owners take advantage of developing technologies. They offer four different levels of help, from basic consulting to full-service offerings, including an initial consultation to ongoing support. If you’re not sure where to start, they can point you in the right direction.

Working With Other Organizations

The ICTA’s main goal is to develop the information and communication technology sector within the country. The ICTA works with organizations like the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Industries and Commerce, University Grants Commission, universities, NGOs, and more to meet their goals.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has been working with the ICTA since 2002. They are one of many organizations that provide funding for projects from the ICTA.

The Ministry of Industries and Commerce has provided several grants for projects that have helped establish a national broadband network in Sri Lanka.

Who established ICTA in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka Telecommunications Company Limited, or ICTA for short, is owned by the Government of Sri Lanka, which commissioned it in 2004 to serve as a banker of funds to improve Sri Lanka’s infrastructure as part of a loan from the World Bank.

Through improved e-Government solutions, the ICTA’s Government program aims to deliver faster, more efficient, and more transparent government services to all citizens and businesses.

Presidents and Secretaries General of ICTA

The ICTA was established in 2001. In the year 2003, the ICTA became a statutory body under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Research. The first President to be elected as head of ICTA was Dr. Ajantha Dharmaratne, in 2004. The first Secretary General appointed by this president was Mr. Maithree Wickramasinghe.

The current President is Prof Sunil Abraham and the current Secretary General is Mr. Chandana Rajapaksa

Current Activities/ Projects

The ICT Act defines a new central government entity to carry out policy, planning, regulation, monitoring, promotion, and coordination functions for information communication technology.

The main objectives are to promote

The development and adoption of ICT through appropriate strategies for economic growth in the country

To support the development of ICT-based solutions for poverty alleviation; to provide leadership on key issues relating to international trade in IT products

To build capacity among industry professionals through training workshops, and foster sustainable partnerships with other countries.

Website / Social Media links of ICTA

The ICTA Sri Lanka website (www.icta.lk) provides comprehensive information on ICTA Sri Lanka, its mandate, objectives, functions, structure, organization, activities, and achievements. The website also has a search function to enable visitors to easily find the information they need.

The ICTA Sri Lanka also has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ictasrilanka) which is updated regularly with news and information on the ICTA Sri Lanka.

Final thoughts about ICTA

The ICT Authority (ICTA) of Sri Lanka has been instrumental in driving the country’s digital transformation through various innovative initiatives. ICTA’s work has been crucial in enabling Sri Lanka to develop a world-class ICT infrastructure, which has helped fuel the country’s economic growth. ICTA’s initiatives have also contributed to social development by providing access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to all citizens.

In conclusion, ICTA has played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s development journey and will continue to be a key driver of the country’s digital transformation.