Digital Divide

July 31, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka's government ICT Agency has expanded its telecentre network to 400 points all over the island to help communities improve their knowledge and access global information. The 400th telecentre or Nenasala was set up Tuesday at the Colombo District Secretariat to provide the public access to internet, phone and other telecommunication services.

Nenasalas give the rural community quick methods of transferring documents through fax or email.

The centres also help improve IT literacy in the country and bridge the digital divide by providing IT training for rural communities at a minimal cost.

Located in 23 districts the Nenasala project was initiated in 2005 with the first centre at the Kirivehara Buddhist temple in southern Kataragama.

Nenasalas are also located at the Foreign Employment Bureau, Fort Railway Station, public libraries and hospitals.