Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) tied up with Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) signing an agreement recently, says a press release. Dr. Lalith Gamage, CEO and MD of SLIIT and Shuhei Anan, CEO of SLT signed the agreement at a ceremony held at SLIIT campus at Colombo, says a press release. As per the agreement. SLT will provide SLIIT with voice, data and internet services.

Gamage said, "SLIIT’s mandate is to train and educate large numbers of IT professionals required by the country and from the numbers that we train now, it is evident that we are one of the largest IT institute in this country". "SLIIT began operations two years ago. This year, 1,200 students will be enrolled to the four campuses managed by SLIIT. The main campus in Malabe will be opened tomorrow, while the other campuses are located at Kamburupitiya, Kandy and Colombo.

SLIIT offers various programmes in IT ranging from diplomas, advanced diplomas, degrees, post graduate diplomas and masters degrees to professional development programmees for professionals employed in the industry and software development facilities which will be expanded into a software development park in Malabe. Its research and development incubator supports start-up companies. "With the signing of this agreement on Monday with the pioneer telecom operator in this country, SLT, we are joining hands to build Malabe as the first cyber city in the country", Gamage added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Anan said, "As the principal telecom service provider of this country, SLT appreciates the contribution made by SLIIT in the field IT development in Sri Lanka. As CEO, SLT, I am happy to sign this agreement with the first customer, the Malabe IT Park. We have already taken action to extend our new wide band facilities to IT Park customers.

Professor S. Karunaratne, Chairman in his speech emphasized the importance of information and communication technology and said these fields will be "the future for everyone".