Microsoft (SL) has promulgated an initiative to bridge the digital divide between migrant workers and their families through a tripartite partnership training programme consisting of microsoft, Sri Lanka Anti Narcotics Association (SLANA) and the Sri Lanka Foreign Bureau of Foreign Employment. (SLBFE) with the aim of supporting the government to upgrade the quality of migrant workers and establishing a niche market internationally for our migrant workers.

Under the initiative, 15 training centres apart from those in Colombo, Kurunegala and Chilaw are to be established in high migrant labour prevalent areas of the island. Theses centres functioning under qualified instructors will provide a five day hands on training programme in all three languages to equip prospective migrant workers and their families on

Such vital skills as how to communicate amongst themselves in both audio and video by using such high tech gadgetry viz. the web camera , how to open a bank account (e banking, e mail and other vital skills utilizing the information super high way.

At a recent (7) media briefing, M/S Dharshani Gunayagoda Director of SLANA said that the migrant workers bring to the country highest amount of FOREX. However, they are faced with the situation of breaking up their families. This situation could be attributed to the lack of communication between the migrant workers and their families. To fill the gap "We have introduced ICT low cost communication centres in Colombo, Kurunegala and Chilaw. Those who follow the course are awarded a certificate.

Amongst others skills as web scanning and to send messages by way of SMS are taught in theses centres. Apart from broadening their skills the course has a multiplier effect in areas viz. business development. We hope to