Business

PM stresses on prudent macro-economic policies for economic growth

by Ramani Kangaraarachchi

"We need prudent macro-economic policies coupled with development of thrust industries such as ICT to achieve an 8 to 10 per cent growth in the coming years to reach my vision for Sri Lanka's economy."

A first Day cover was issued to mark “Foss Week” by Post Master General S. Senadheera. Senadheera presenting the First Day Cover to Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Tissa Vitharana. Picture Sumana chandra Ariyawansa

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse said in a message at the inauguration ceremony of the National Free and Open Source Software Week 2005 (FOSS) held at Trans Asia Hotel Colombo on Wednesday. Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Tissa Vitharana read the message.

He said that the FOSS week held in Sri Lanka is a major step forward in country's attempts to harness the potential of ICT as an enabler to improve the quality of life of every citizen, every village and every industry. The government aspires to achieve this through the e-Sri Lanka program implemented by ICT Agency and also to re-engineer the way government think and work, he said. Free and open source software not only provides for affordable use of ICT, but also gives an opportunity to talented and creative IT workforce to exploit the potential Sri Lanka, he said.

Organiser FOSS week Prof. V. K Samaranayake appreciating the government's blessings by giving a national interest to the event said that the country has a vibrant and small community who have the potential but they lack the support of enthusiastic people who would support such activities, however this is a new beginning and the ICTA would promote it exclusively.

CEO, ICTA Manju Hattotuwa stressed the necessasity of a holistic approach , to carry out the reforms and to address the constraints such as infrastructure , awareness, and language issues. "We have to be flexible and build the road to drive the car, he said. Ambassador of Japan, Akio Suda also spoke.

The FOSS is a rapidly changing new technology in ICT which brings a revolutionary development process, disruptive technology, ideological movement new knowledge, standards and more. It offers many opportunities for governmental, private sector and educational institutions.

The FOSS week will be held from September 5 to 11 where delegates from 19 countries including experts from all parts of the world will be present.