News

Ranjith Gunarathne (Updated: November 19, 2006)

Recently we launched the first ever mesh internet network in Sri Lanka in the village of Mahavilachchiya, marking what can be described as the most important step in the creation of first e-village in the island.  We have been doing a lot to realize this aim.  Training village community, children and adults alike, in the use of ICT and getting computers to their homes were top priorities in our project.

Most of the time we had to rely on donations from foreign individuals and organizations, and private companies in Sri Lanka for the funds needed for our work.  Sri Lankan expatriates living and working overseas played a great role in providing necessary funds.  Unfortunately, we got very limited support from the government sector so far.  We badly needed the government to come forward to play a bigger and more active role.  Our efforts had not been in vain because we succeeded in getting the due recognition for the e-village concept.  Mrs. Chitranganie Mubarak Programs Manager for eSDI, ICTA said at the mesh opening ceremony, “We are thankful to Horizon Lanka because they are the ones who opened our eyes to what is possible at village level through the capabilities of the e-village.”

Now it is with great pleasure we announce that e-village concept was fortunate enough to attract the attention of those who really matter at last; those who understand the real potential of it, who could do a lot to take this valuable technology to the poor villages in rural Sri Lanka.  Namely, His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha and Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga.  That is how e-village initiative got funds allocated in the budget for year 2007 to be replicated in selected rural locations as a pilot project to popularize computer usage to promote access to information to people living in distance locations.

It is not that he had taken a sudden interest in our activities just on that day we launched the mesh network.  To quote Mr. Weeratunga, “I have known Wanni for a long period of time. Most of the time I knew what he was doing.  He kept me updated all the time about the new initiatives”. President Rajapaksha also had known and had had a keen interest about our activities at Horizon Lanka in Mahavilachchiya.  He had the need to popularize the ICT in Sri Lanka.  Let me quote again, “We have a fantastic programme in Mahinda Chinthana called ‘Gama Neguma’, which is to ensure that the village is developed in the total sense.  Had I known, or had Mr. Rajapakse known about e-village concept he would have definitely put it in ‘Mahinda Chinthana’, I am sure.  Now that you have done it, it doesn’t have to be in that book but we can always copy we can always work with you.  I don’t want to do something different; I want to learn from you.  And then do it the way it has come through.  This is not top driven, this is bottom driven.  That is why it is a success.”

We sincerely thank the President for this history making decision to consider e-village concept worth investing on and make us proud of what we have done.  We, at Horizon Lanka give our solemn promise to do our best to help replicate what we have done here in Mahavilachchiya.