“`htmlGamini Pathirana
Shilpa Sayura received international recognition after winning the prestigious Information for Development (i4d) Award at the eINDIA 2007 Conference in New Delhi. The project was also shortlisted as a finalist for the Stockholm Challenge – GKP Awards 2007, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Developed by eFusion, Shilpa Sayura gained recognition for its innovative digital self-learning system designed to support rural students with limited access to educational resources and qualified teachers. Following its international success, the project sought Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships to expand the system to more than 400 villages across Sri Lanka.
The project was initially funded through a Rs. 5 million ICTA e-SDI grant. It successfully demonstrated the practical use of Sinhala Unicode and received commendation from the National Institute of Education and the Universities of Colombo and Moratuwa.
Project Director Niranjan Meegammana noted that, despite its achievements, further expansion required additional financial support. To facilitate wider participation, the Shilpa Sayura Foundation was established to encourage collaboration among corporate organisations, NGOs and other stakeholders in expanding digital education to rural communities.
Commenting on the initiative, Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka stated, “Shilpa Sayura can be such a programme to uplift rural villages.”
The Sinhala-language software was successfully piloted in 20 Nenasala Telecentres, supporting nine G.C.E. Ordinary Level subjects together with Geography, General Knowledge and Environmental Studies for students from Grades 6 to 11.
According to Meegammana, the system extends beyond conventional school textbooks by providing a richer and more interactive learning experience. The project also aims to inspire rural students to pursue careers in ICT and business through improved access to digital learning resources.
Minister Ranawaka wished the Shilpa Sayura project continued success in its future expansion and national development efforts.
Source: Daily Mirror
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