ICTA enables Laksala into e-commerce

The Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka [ICTA], in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, started the Laksala Automation Project, to provide an ICT solution to the Laksala Head Office, as well as to computerise three of their retail outlets; York Street, Thummulla and Kandy. iOM Lanka (Pvt) Ltd used their Retailigence software solution to enable Laksala’s supplier management, inventory control, distribution management, sales automation, statistical and trend analysis and provide management information reports, all via ICT.

The project was launched recently by Minister of Rural Industries and Self-employment Promotion, S.B. Navinna. Meanwhile, Laksala Chairperson, Somakumari Tennakoon launched the Laksala website www.laksala.lk. Assistant Secretary to the President, Waruna Dhanapala, Secretary, C.P Siriwardena, Director, Re-Gov. ICTA, Wasantha Deshapriya and other ICTA officials, iOM Lanka Management, Laksala staff and Handicraft suppliers were present at the occasion.

The Laksala website has been revamped to enable online sales as well as for rural handicraft suppliers to access their accounts on orders, inventory and payments, without having to visit Colombo.

Laksala was selected as one of the projects under ICTA’s Re-engineering Government Programme area’s eServices initiative, on account of its high impact and visibility to both citizens and businesses.

The objective of Laksala is to promote and protect Sri Lankan handicrafts. Laksala nurtures the Sri Lankan craftsman by providing them opportunities and livelihood by selling their items. Laksala also provides design concepts and craftsmen skill improvement ideas via the National Craft Council and National Design Centers. By enabling Laksala to re-engineer their operations and process, to be effective and efficient via the use of ICT in this competitive market, would enable them to sustain the survival and development of many of the Sri Lankan craftsmen and their craft.

“This project could serve as the best model where ICT could be used for socio-economic development and poverty reduction,” said Director, Re-Gov, ICTA, Wasantha Deshapriya. “The ability to understand the demand for items from the Laksala website, would enable craftsmen to cater to the demand with the right quantity. They can plan their inventory. Also, gradually, the craftsmen will be able to sell their handicrafts online via the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Portal, directly to consumers,” he emphasised.

“We are very happy that the Laksala Head Office functions have been fully automated and three retail outlets, York Street, Thunmulla and Kandy have been automated and customers are receiving computerised bills. Around 150 Laksala staff members have completed the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) training and 25 staff members have completed e-Citizen training. The Laksala website has been developed to enable e-commerce. Rural handicraft suppliers are in the process of being trained to check their accounts via the Laksala website free of charge, at a Nenasala closest to their home,” said Senior Project Manager, ICTA, Dil Piyaratna.

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                         MTV/MBC ties-up with Sri Lanka Telecom                             

Communication giant Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is to provide a world class transmission solution to MTV Channel (Pvt) Ltd and MBC Networks (Pvt) Ltd giant of TV and Radio Broadcasting which is a part of the Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited. The solution will feature broadcast quality digital audio and video transmission via SLT’s state-of-the-art optical fibre infrastructure which will interconnect MTV/MBC studios, transmission stations and head office.

Commenting on the agreement signed with SLT, Mano Wickramanayake, Group Director of MTV/MBC said; “I am greatly appreciative of the fact that a Sri Lankan service provider is able to give us the advantage of a world class communication solution. Today’s media is driven by technology and hence we are committed to use all of the platforms that are available to improve our services to our clients. We can now link our new head office and our new studios in Braybrooke Place to our studio in Depanama and to our main transmission tower in Union Place and our central transmission tower at Mount Oliphant. This solution provided by SLT will serve all seven of our media outlets. With this solution, I am very confident that our reliability factor will be improved.”

According to SLT, the fibre technology and data transmission system provided to MTV/MBC stations is the most advanced transmission technology currently available in the world. As there is no conversion of digital video signals to analog signals for transmission, it ensures optimum quality of the transmitted signal throughout, resulting in an extremely good picture quality right throughout their transmission.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide a world class communication solution to the Capital Maharaja Organisation, one of the important corporate customers of SLT, to strengthen their businesses. The internet and broadband services have changed the way communications flow. It gives everyone the opportunity to receive necessary information, as well as communicate in a faster and effective manner. What we are providing is quite different from a traditional communication solution, because information is shared quickly. SLT is eager to take the initiative to be the pioneer in developing this new information society in Sri Lanka. We consider the Capital Maharaja Organisation as a very important client, in terms of driving forward our broadband service,” Shoji Takahashi, CEO of SLT said at the signing of the agreement.

In addition to this communication infrastructure, the Capital Maharaja Organisation has enjoyed a host of SLT’s communication solutions over a long period of time. Communication services including; voice telephony services, broadband internet through ADSL technology, dedicated internet leased lines and IP Virtual Private Networks help seamlessly connect the group companies S-LON, Harrisons, Kevilton, PE+, M-Entertainment and Aquarius.

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Lanka Bell relocates its offices in Trincomalee and Batticaloa

The Trincomalee and Batticaloa business offices of Lanka Bell, the country’s leading CDMA operator, have been relocated to their own buildings to better serve the company’s expanding customer base in these areas.

The new business office in Trincomalee is located at Main Street, Trincomalee while the Batticaloa office is at Station Road, Batticaloa.

Lanka Bell’s presence now stands at 62 business offices in 22 districts. The company’s phones are also sold through 350 retail outlets of Singer Sri Lanka.

Two new business offices will provide customers in Trincomalee and Batticaloa with more convenient access to Lanka Bell’s services, technical assistance and bill settlement.

Commenting on the relocation of the new offices, Lanka Bell Managing Director Suren Goonewardene said: “As a wholly Sri Lankan owned company, all parts of the country are important to us at Lanka Bell. The relocation of our outlets to more spacious premises, shows our commitment to provide better services to our customers in these areas.”

Lanka Bell was established in 1997 with an initial investment of US$ 150 million and was the pioneer of CDMA technology in Sri Lanka. The company is now the second largest fixed line telecommunications company in the country, with more than 800,000 lines.

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Mobitel introduces online social networking for Miss Sri Lanka 2008

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, the national mobile service provider, is the associate sponsor as well as the official telecommunication partner for the Miss Sri Lanka 2008 pageant. The event is organised by the International Association of Lions Club District 306C-1, in association with Images Studio.

The competition officially commenced with the mini pageants on March 8, 2008, which will go on until March 23. This year’s Miss Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to represent the country at the Miss International Beauty Pageant and Miss Tourism Queen International 2008.

Speaking on the innovative use of technology for the event, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel CEO Suren J. Amarasekera said, “We are pleased to be able to add value and innovativeness to the Miss Sri Lanka 2008 competition through the concept of online social networking. This is a phenomenon that has gained immense popularity among people across the globe during recent times. These involve websites that thrive on conversations between people who share a common affinity that could range from a commonality of interest and lifestyle to profession and industry of work. The beauty of this concept is that, if thoughtfully planned and knowledgably implemented, online social networking can connect people and build relationships across boundaries of geography or discipline.”

As a value addition to this year’s competition, Mobitel in its capacity as the official telecommunication provider will facilitate a common platform for social networking among the contestants and the world at large.

Through the state-of-the-art Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot mobile phones equipped with M3, 3.5G HSPA technology provided by Mobitel, contestants could upload pictures of themselves directly from their phone to a blog created on the event. This can be done via a single click on their Mobitel phone at lightening fast speeds.

In addition to this, it is a tremendous opportunity for the contestants to present various ‘snap shots,’ of their personality and lifestyles to the judges as well as the general public. The blog can be accessed by people around the world by clicking on the link available on the Mobitel website (www.mobitel.lk). The public also has the opportunity to correspond with their favourite candidate by posting comments and well wishes.

Mobitel will also be providing live coverage of all proceedings at the mini pageants leading up to and including the main pageant through their mobile by selecting Miss Sri Lanka Live, a link available on the M3 Video Portal. By accessing the Miss Sri Lanka archive on the same portal, subscribers can also view behind the scene scoops and exclusive interviews with the contestants. Self-created video blogs are also available on each contestant and can be accessed via the same portal.

To have access to all of these facilities, all what a Mobitel customer has to do is make a video call to 555 and enter the M3 Video Portal.

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, the National Mobile Service Provider, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom. In January 2004, the company launched its fully-fledged 2.5G GSM network that is EDGE/GPRS enabled and designed to operate on dual band. In December 2007, the company launched its 3.5G HSPA network, which is the first and only Super 3.5G network in South Asia. Investments committed to date in its 3.5G/2.5G networks and service offering, total over US$ 200 mn and is set to increase its present 1000+ base stations to 1500 base stations by the end the first quarter 2008.

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ASUS introduces mini multi-media laptop

Epsi Computers (Pvt) Ltd.authorized distributors for ASUS in Sri Lanka stated that ASUS has released the new ASUS 2L desktop PC – the Nova P22. The space-saving Nova integrates an Intel®’s Desktop Core™ 2 Duo CPU, WiFi 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0 technology for robust multitasking and communications; and it does so operating at a mere 25db (below human hearing) for uninterrupted multimedia enjoyment. With the embedded HiFi speakers, this small marvel allows users to experience digital multimedia at a whole new level.

The smallest 2L dual core desktop PC
Mr. Rukshan Jayawaredene, head of Marketing, EPSI Computers stated that with only 2L of space taken, the Nova incorporates a robust Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor for efficient multitasking and quality digital audio/video enjoyment. Passing professional simulated tests, the Nova adheres to strict design and adopts solid capacitors and a unique thermal solution that integrates a unique L-shape heat dissipation module, S-shape heat pipes and three AI fans – providing you with quiet and quality computing experiences at only 25dB.

High speed connectivity with 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0
Supporting the 802.11n wireless standard, the Nova’s high transmission rate of 300Mbps allows users to easily download a 30-minute HD video in 44 seconds without any lag! The embedded Bluetooth device also provides effortless multimedia and data streaming between the Nova and other peripherals like notebooks and handhelds. To eliminate room separation and to provide ultra portable multimedia enjoyment at home, ASUS, producer of high quality Digital Home products.

Embedded HiFi Speakers for instant music
Through the pair of built-in HiFi speakers located at the front of the Nova, users will enjoy high quality music without the need for extra speakers. For home theatre configurations, the Nova also supports 5.1 channel speakers with Dolby® Digital Live or DTS connect technology

Creative vertical and horizontal placements
The Nova fits into any environment with ease – whether it is a working desk, a bookshelf or a spacious livingroom. The lively colour and the creative pen holder handle, together with the touch sensor button design, reflects the user’s individualistic tastes and adds style to surroundings.

The Nova P22 is especially suitable for those who are space conscious and desire better mobility and flexibility when working or sharing digital content indoors. Slim and lighter than a notebook, the Nova can be easily carried from one room to another at home to cater to different needs or situations. Additionally, its exuberant, trendy colour scheme, streamlined design, touch sensor button, and stylish stand make it not only an enjoyable home companion, but also a fashionable interior decoration.
Speaking of the availability of the products, Mr. Jayawardane stated, that this model will be available in our showrooms by the end of February.

About ASUS
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (TSE:2357) is a leading provider of 3C total solutions. Its product portfolio includes notebooks, motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, information appliances, desktop PCs, servers, wireless solutions, mobile phones and networking devices. With world-class engineering and offices and subsidiaries located in all corners of the world.

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Computer wiz-kids get chance to represent Sri Lanka

Budding techno-gurus from across the island will soon be competing for the chance to represent Sri Lanka in the South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) software competition to be held in India later this year.

Schools are now being encouraged to put forth their brightest software wiz-kids to compete for the prize when the 19th annual National Level School Students Software competition takes place in June.

The competition is being organised by the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL).
For the first time, specific efforts will be made to attract students from rural areas to compete.

“In its continued commitment towards propagating ICT to rural areas in the country, and as part of the government initiatives to make a true ‘e-Sri Lanka’, CCSL has planned a number of activities to facilitate ICT penetration into rural areas in 2008,” said Dr Prasanna Lokuge, President of the CCSL, in a press statement.

The competition has been endorsed by the Information and Communications Technology Agency (ICTA), in line with realizing the objective of achieving an ‘e-Sri Lanka’.

ESOFT Computer Studies is a strategic partner in organising the event, which also has the support of ICTA and the Ministry of Education.

“ESOFT will be providing support for the competing students by organising training workshops through our island-wide branch network,” said Dr Dayan Rajapakse, CEO of ESOFT.
Students compete in teams of three, with each school allowed one team each.
Team members must be full-time students under 17 years of age.

Students will have two hours in which to outwit each other by solving four problems using Pascal, C, C + +, or Java Programming Languages to get the chance to represent the country in India in September.

CSSL has been making efforts to promote the IT and Professionalism amongst those engaged in ICT in the country for more than 30 years.

In December last year, CSSL announced its commitment to ‘make Sri Lanka e-ready’ by making this the society’s theme in the years ahead.

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Dialog ties up with Arpico for bill payments

Dialog Telekom PLC, Sri Lanka’s undisputed leader in multi-sensory connectivity, has tied up with Arpico to grant Dialog customers the facility of making Dialog GSM, Dialog CDMA, Dialog TV, Dialog Broadband and Internet bill payments and Kit eZ Reloads at all Arpico Supercentres. This initiative is intended to enhance the convenience of bill payments and Kit eZ reloads for Dialog customers who visit these Arpico outlets.

Speaking about the agreement, Dialog Telekom PLC Group Chief Marketing Officer Nushad Perera said, “This partnership with Arpico is yet another example of our commitment to delivering the best to our customers. By granting the convenience of making Dialog bill payments and Kit eZ reloads at Arpico Supercentres, we seek to enhance the services rendered to our valued customers. We are glad to have partnered with Arpico, the leading large format retailer in the country and I’m confident that this union will continue to benefit our customers in the future.”

Richard Pieris Distributors Limited Chief Executive Officer Bertram Paul stated, “We are pleased to partner with Dialog on this initiative since it is in line with our strategy of providing our shoppers with convenience and value added services in addition to the wide range of products currently provided. We believe that the facility of making Dialog bill payments and Kit eZ reloads across our network of Supercentres and Superstores will be a boon to our customers.”

This service is available at Arpico Supercentres Hyde Park Corner, Batturamulla, Dehiwela, Nawinna, Gampaha, Kandy, Wellawatte and Kiribathgoda, thereby facilitating the process of bill payments and reloads by creating new payment points for Dialog customers.

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Innovation drives HP to the top

HP’s high customer trust that the brand enjoys, and their after sales service network has helped them to consistently maintain the market leadership in Sri Lanka. HP which is ranked no. 1 in Sri Lanka for both Notebooks PC and Desktops PC Segments and according to Springboard Research AEC, Q4 2007 Tracker (October - December 07) HP commands the stated market share.

•  41.1% market share in notebooks PCs (# 1)

• 16.4% market share in desktops PCs (# 1)

• 18.9% market share in total PC clients (#1)

This was announced by HP at a briefing held recently to reiterate their market expansion and leadership position in the local market with some high ranking officials visiting the country.

Today HP PC’s and Notebooks are closer to us and is also highly visible through “The Computer is Personal Again” campaign, where HP looks at offering its users a total Customer experience rather than offering “A product”!
In view of having products and services available and easily accessible to the masses, HP has already invested in:

• 20 retail points with HP branding and merchandising across 5 cities and towns

• 5 Authorised Service Delivery Partners with Service Centre in Colombo and Kandy

• 2 Nationwide Distributors

• 7 Corporate Resellers

• 1 Spare Parts Depot in Colombo

• 2 HP Experience Zones in Colombo

Adrian Koch Senior VP for HP in APJ went on to say that, “Sri Lanka emerging as a high potential marketplace for both consumer and commercial segments with emerging enterprises (SMBs) driving a large share of market growth, and HP, is growing in penetration by offering increasingly affordable price point and channel expansion.

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