Today is the beginning of LIRNEasia’s Launch Party. Guests are beginning to arrive at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, including representatives from Canada’s International Development Resource Council, which is funding the event. Todays events including checking into the hotel and passing out for many guests, and a visit to Temple Trees for a visit with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse for Dr. Suman Bery, Professor William Melody, Ms. Alison Gillwald, Mr Stephan Roberge, Mr.
Provisional Mission Statement: Improving the lives the people of Asia – by making it easier to use the information and communication technologies they need; by changing the laws, policies and regulations to enable those uses; by building Asia-based human capacity through research, training, consulting and advocacy. Why LIRNEasia? Enormous amounts of money are invested annually in ICTs. The potential of information and communication technologies, or ICTs for economic and social progress is substantial. ICTs aren’t necessarily the answer to higher incomes and development in itself; but together with other factors, they provide a means to improve people’s capabilities and knowledge so that they may better their lives.
Rohan Samarajiva : September 1, 2004 There is something wonderful about beginnings. The future is pristine; the potential is unlimited; no mistakes have been made. I am very happy to welcome you to the LIRNEasia office on the occasion of this new beginning. Our immediate objective is to build a team of Asian ICT policy and regulatory professionals who can work on equal terms with the best in the world. Sri Lanka will anchor this effort, but it will be a genuinely regional initiative.