Computer and English, key subjects to develop one's knowledge [Daily News]

Daily News, Friday 2 March 2007
by M.A. Phakurdeen - Addalaichenai Group Correspondent

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ADDALAICHENAI: "Every one of us should be competent in Computer and English and those who are not conversant in this field are considered as misfits in this modern world. Hence, every one of us, especially the younger generation, should come forward to learn these two subjects and CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) has opened its doors for you all to develop your knowledge. This is a rare opportunity and you all must make use of this in a profitable way."

So observed Minister of Housing and Common Amenities Ferial Ashraff after opening CASP's Computer and Training Centre at Akkaraipattu recently.

Minister Ferial Ashraff was in Ampara District last week on the invitation of CASP's President Douglas MacArthur to inaugurate several development programmes launched by CASP in Ampara District.

The Canadian High Commission's First Secretary (Development) Calvin R. Piggott, Secretary to the Minister Mallika Karunaratna, Special Advisor to the Minister A. Sulaima Lebbe, and CIDA officials too accompanied the Minister.

The Minister in her address said that she doesn't believe in ceremonies and functions merely for publicity and glory but for constructive services lasting forever. She said may INGOs have come and now they have gone, but unlike other NGOs CASP determined to develop Ampara District with the consultation of her Ministry with a Master Plan to be prepared in consultation with all sections of the people of the district.

They believe in services lasting forever or in other words we can say sustainability is their main concern.

She also noted that when she comes to this area she would come with some positive move and she was happy to come here with a Computer and Training Centre which is a desperate need to the area.

She thanked Douglas MacArthur for coming forward to establish this Centre in Akkaraipattu.

President CASP Douglas MacArthur, First Secretary to the Canadian High Commission Calvin R. Piggott, Manager of the Centre M.A.S. Deen, and several others also spoke.

It is informed that this Centre has been developed as part of the Ampara District Master Plan.

Its primary purpose is to provide much needed Computer Access to school leavers, job seeking adults, employees in Government, and private sector organizations, and all others who would like to have access to the Internet and/or learn and improve their computer and English Language skills.