Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has taken steps to connect another 150 Government organisations through its Lanka Government Network (LGN) facilitating more speedy public service.

Phase II of the LGN project will rope in 150 more Government organisations in the island including those in the North Central and Eastern Provinces and render them 'connected' making the total to 475 government orgnisations with the 325 'connected' under phase I of the LGN project implemented under the 'e-Sri Lanka' initiative.

Matara District Secretary Ms. W. K. K. Atukorale says that thanks to the LGN all Divisional Secretariats including the District Secretariat have been provided with computer facilities. About 600 staff have been given training in computers. "Before the implementation of this project we carried out correspondence by post. But now we do so by email. Telephone cost has been slashed due to VOIP facilities. On the whole due to the Lanka Government Network efficiency has increased. It has been possible to provide an effective service to the public". She added.

"The implementation of this project has greatly facilitated our internal and external office activities. Our office buildings are located somewhat far apart. However because of this project it has been possible to combine with all the sections with ease. We are now living during a period when national programmes are implemented for which discussions have to be held frequently. This project is very handy for such tasks" Divisional Secretary of Galagedera Ms. M.C.K.S. Sooriyampola pointed out.

Badalkumbura Divisional Secretary Anura Hewakumara has expressed his views positively on LGN and said it is immensely helping them to deliver the public service more efficiency. "Since internet facilities have been provided to us as a result of this project we have been able to exchange information with other Divisional Secretariats in the island. Our goal is to bring about a situation where people could obtain the services they expect from their homes". He added.

"The public of Sri Lanka already know the benefits of the LGN. The LGN is also recognised internationally as well as regionally. It was not long ago that a team of the Government of Bangladesh visited ICTA to learn and adapt the LGN," ICTA Chairman Professor P.W. Epasinghe says.

The Lanka Gate Network owes its attraction to the countries of the region and the world to the foresight of President Mahinda Rajapaksa who guides the e-Sri Lanka initiative. Among the core aims of the e-Sri Lanka initiative is the minimisation of inconvenience both to the public and Government organisations in receiving or offering public service.

ICTA signed a contract with Samsung Networks Inc. for implementing and managing the Lanka Government Network (LGN) - Stage II project at ICTA premises recently.