Visions Presents…

“GOING GLOBAL IN AN I.T. WORLD” CONFERENCE 2008:To Discuss 2 Proposed IT Institutes in Sri

Lanka

A Conference to share knowledge, ideas and insights into the world of IT, and to participate in the

development of the ideas behind two proposed IT institutes in Sri Lanka that will benefit

underprivileged young people.

Featuring presentations by Visions, Operation USA, ITTPO, and Mr. Sivathasan

(St. John’s)

Saturday, June 28, 20089:00am-5:00pm

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Westwood, CAVisions Presents…

CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS IT IN SRI LANKAUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Saturday, June 28, 20089:00am-5:00pm

ARRIVAL9:00-9:15am

*Enjoy morning refreshments

WELCOME9:15-9:25am

Greg Buie (Visions)—10 minutesIntroduction to the Conference & General Overview

*With a welcome by Visions Director Meera Pathmarajah via conference call

SPEAKERS9:25-9:55am

Mr. Subramaniam Sivathasan (St. John’s OBA)—30 minutesSpeaking on the Choice of IT for Sri Lanka as viewed in the Global Context

9:55-10:30amMr. Chelvan Vithiananthan—35 minutes

Speaking on Efforts in the Field of IT in Sri Lanka: Obstacles & Opportunities for Development Work in Sri Lanka Through IT

*Conference-calling will be used

10:30-11:00amNimmi Gowrinathan (Operation USA)—30 minutesSpeaking on Avenues for Funding & Grant-Writing

11:00-11:45amMr. Kandiah Skandakumaran—45 minutes

Speaking on Global IT Outsourcing*Conference-Calling will be used

11:45-12:15Mr. Anandaraj Ponnambalam (ITTPO)—30 minutes

Speaking on Challenges & the Way Forward: A Personal Reflection on VanniTech

LUNCH BREAK12:15-1:10pm

*Lunch will be provided

PROJECT PRESENTATIONS1:10-2:10pm

Mr. Subramanian Sivathasan (St. John’s OBA)—60 minutesPresenting His Project: The St. John's & Colombo IT Institutes

“The need for IT in Sri Lanka and Criteria for Success: A Local Prospective”

2:10-3:10pmMr. Shan Nantha Kumar (ITTPO)—60 minutes

Presenting His Project: e3 (Education. Entrepreneurship. Employment.)

Tech Learning Centre

AFTERNOON BREAK3:10-3:25pm

DISCUSSIONS*Facilitated by Visions

3:25-4:00pmDiscussion #1—35 minutes

General Response to Projects & Feedback

4:00-4:25pmDiscussion #2—25 minutes

How to Proceed Forward & Options to Explore

4:25-4:50pmDiscussion #3—30 minutes

Developing a Timeline, Delegating Tasks, & Defining Roles

CLOSING4:50-5:00pm

Mr. Subramaniam SivathasanConclusion & Final Note

VisionsThank You’s & Closing Remarks

Closing

INTRODUCTION & CONFERENCE SYNOPSIS

It is with great excitement and hope that we welcome you to the “Going Global in an IT World” 2008 Conference here at the beautiful UCLA campus. On behalf of Visions and everyone who has helped to make this conference a reality, welcome!

The purpose of this conference is to discuss the plans behind two proposed IT institutes in Sri Lanka, one being spearheaded by Mr. Sivathasan and the other being led by ITTPO Chairman Mr. Shan Nantha Kumar. Today we will hear from each of them and learn in more detail what they are planning and how it will benefit those in need in Sri Lanka. We will also be hearing from various speakers who will be contributing their expertise, knowledge, and insight on a number of topics in order to more fully think through these 2 ideas. The topics being touched on here today range from funding to global outsourcing to accreditation to challenges & obstacles to IT in

general and the pressing need for IT education today. Our hope is that everyone here today, from presenters to participants to volunteers, will contribute to these discussions in a participatory manner.

By the end of the day it is our hope that both projects will have a clearer Vision and overall plan. We hope to settle on a clear plan with more specifics on how to move to the next step with each project, until we eventually have 2 successful IT institutes in Sri Lanka (or more!). You are encouraged to be as actively involved in this conference as possible, as from each other we can learn a great deal and help each other find the best way to move forward. Ultimately, it is the young people and young professionals in Sri Lanka that lack meaningful opportunities that will benefit the most from these projects. So your participation is key in helping these deserving youth in the near future.

Visions is hosting and moderating this conference, but we are all equally important players here today. There are representatives from Visions, Operation USA, ITTPO, St. John’s Old Boys Association, and Manitha Neyam Trust here today to participate in this truly unique effort. We thank all of you very much for attending and being a part of this important effort. Hopefully you will find this conference to be worthwhile. Here’s hoping for the best today and in the many months to come!

Sincerely,

The Visions Team

MAP OF SRI LANKA

SYNOPSIS OF EACH PRESENTER’S SPEECH

Greg BuieVisions Co-Director

Welcome & Introduction

After providing an introduction to this conference and why we have gathered here today, I will give a brief background of the Visions organization and our interest in facilitating the discussion on the two projects being shared with us. There is a great need for improved access to educational and professional opportunities, as well as improvements to the overall quality of the education being provided. This conference provides a rare opportunity for several groups (including Visions, Operation USA, ITTPO, St. John’s Old Boys Association, and Manitha Neyam) to come together to work on a common goal with these objectives.

Visions Director Meera Pathmarajah will also call in from India to say a few words and welcome our guests.

Mr. Subramaniam SivathasanSt. John’s Old Boys Association

“Choice of IT for Sri Lanka as Viewed in the Global Context”

There are three basic segments in the economic and social activity of our people.

They are Agriculture, Industries and Services In the post-war world, vast changes have taken place in all these

segments Both in individual nations as well as on a global scale they have shown

remarkable progress. Over time, the respective proportions have changed, but a healthy

equilibrium has been maintained. As economies grew and advanced, a more than proportionate change

was visible in the Services sector. Such a phenomenon is natural, healthy and welcome. It may be asserted that the growth of this sector was neither through

the neglect of other two sectors nor at their expense. In the Services sector, it is the knowledge industry that has been

growing at an exponential pace. The ICT revolution, affordability of PCs and easy accessibility to

information has fueled spectacular internet use.

Vibrant and expanding economics have identified knowledge industry for particular attention, further investment and development.

Intelligentsia in the developing world has taken the cue from the developed countries and has modeled its educational programs and development strategies accordingly.

In Sri Lanka the North-East stands at a juncture where it has to take timely, prudent and pragmatic decisions.

Planning with a twenty year perspective seems practicable.

It appears that human recourses development is an absolute priority for the younger generation in the North-East.

With a proper estimate of the innate talents and predilections of the young students, they may be inducted in large numbers into the area of science and technology.

When the time comes for post-secondary training, facilities have to be provided for specialized education in ICT.

The constraints to residence, field of study and affordability have to be duly noted.

The field of study should assist in employment in the home country and if there be limitations to it, should conduce to employability in foreign countries. This factor is crucial in influencing a student’s choice of study.

The field should also be conducive to returnability to the country of birth.

The field having the prospect of yielding the highest returns to the students and optimum benefits to the country needs to be chosen.

Information Communication Technology with all its branches and the multitude of sub segments that are likely to emerge in the future could command our attention for a quarter of a century.

Mr. Chelvan Vithiananthan

“Opportunities and Challenges for Software Development Work in Sri Lanka Through Information Technology”

1. Overview of IT Landscape in Sri Lanka2. What are the opportunities?

Develop outsourcing capabilities– Why?

• Supply much lower than demand in Sri Lanka• Leverage strong reputation• Cost efficient - Lower cost compared to other nations

How?• Specialized Training and Education to bridge the

technology gap - Focus on certain areas of expertise

lacking in Sri Lanka such as Oracle databases, Ruby, CGI, Animation etc..• Provide access to cutting edge technologies – • Knowledge sharing with outside/experienced experts.

Support organizations supporting core industries in SLKey Areas –

• Banking• Tourism/Hotels• Textile• Real estate• Large Retailers

Supporting Public or Government SectorPartner with Local UniversitiesBusiness Process Outsourcing (BPO)

3. What are the challenges?Security

Access to technology: cost, availabilityInfrastructure: connectivity and bandwidth; knowledgeBureaucracy CapitalContinuity/Retention

4. Next Steps

Nimmi GowrinathanDirector, South Asia Programs

Operation USA

“Project Funding: How to Apply and Where to Look”

This presentation will cover the basics of applying for funding : How to frame a project, Where to apply for Funding, How to apply for Funding. It will also provide some pointers as to how to obtain funding for projects in sensitive areas under the current restrictions by the U.S. and Sri Lankan Government. We will go through the process for one sample project. During the discussion period questions will be addressed on specific project proposals and possible funding sources.

Mr. Kandiah Skandakumaran“IT & Global Outsourcing”

Biography What is Outsourcing?

Outsourcing refers to a company that contracts with another company to provide services that might otherwise be performed by in-house employees. Companies now outsource service jobs such as:

Call Center Human Resources (HRO) Business Process (BPO) e.g. Finance & Accounting (F&A) Information Technology – ITO Mailroom functions

My Role Who are the players?

Major PlayersStaff: Team Structures

ManagementTeam LeadsUniversity Graduates (usually in commerce or finance)Entry Level

How Do They Make Money?

Current Status of BPO, ITO Too many players Major companies have outsourced US politics on outsourcing Political uncertainties in places like India; Philippines etc Some US companies are taking back some of the outsourced

services due to poor services Wage inflation and high staff turnover (>20%) in India & China

How do we Prepare our Youth? English Language

Public speaking Sales & Marketing Contract negotiations Foreign accent training Team work International exposure - customs & law Second language – Chinese

Q & A – Discussion

Mr. Anandaraj Ponnambalam Will provide a brief overview of my IT work in Sri Lanka from February

2002 through December 2006 Student learning and attitudes in the Sri Lanka context Discuss the English curriculum in a predominantly Tamil and Sinhala

speaking student body Will cover my VanniTech and North-East experiences Perspectives of my IT teaching, IT industry, and IT consulting work in

Colombo Closing and Questions

Mr. Shan Nantha KumarITTPO Chairman

Impact of war & Tsunami: 65,000 children in the North and East are out of school 4000 children lost parents in the Dec. 2004 tsunami alone 21,000 children live in orphanages

Education Opportunities: 12% of those qualified get admission to the State Universities 3% of the high school students get admitted to state Univ. A whole new generation is growing up with limited access to education

and economic prosperity Privileged find ways to go overseas Under privileged have limited options for prosperity…and they are the

future Our Model:

EDUCATIONENTREPRENEURSHIPEMPLOYMENT Knowledge transfer from diaspora Certified courses from US organizations Educational Institute/Employment Incubation Centres

Seed funds from diaspora/aid organizations Outsourcing revenue from LT

Outsourcing opportunities—local & diaspora network Use of leased buildings Monthly accounting & progress reports Local Board with ITTPO Supervision Instructors screened by ITTPO Field Deployable Projects for graduation Begin with 1-2 year diploma for quick impact

Mr. Subramaniam SivathasanSt. John’s Old Boys Association

The St. John’s Institute of Information Technology (SJIIT) & the Colombo Institute of Information Technology (CIIT)

“The need for IT in Sri Lanka and criteria for success: A Local Perspective”

Turbulent times spread over three decades, have affected a particular ethnic entity very severely.

The turmoil is also location specific – the North-East of Sri Lanka. 

Education has suffered immeasurably, bringing a well-knit system to tatters. Hence the need for special attention to make amends for long years of deprivation.

Reaching for a wider canvas and spreading one’s resources thin, is not considered prudent. Even a geographical spread initially will dissipate energies. 

When the issue is addressed and the solution searched, concentration on education is deemed best.

Having weighed options, a group of Tamils have limited their pick to one field- Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The selection is done quite advisedly, as the field most lucrative to attract the student community.

      Two projects are chosen and two locations identified. One in Jaffna and one in Colombo. They will be similar, but certain variations are inevitable. 

SJIIT

Land owned by St. John’s College, a leading College in Jaffna with a 185 year history is selected for the purpose. The Management of the College has had experience in running a post secondary institute.

An iconic building to draw the attention of the student community is proposed. It will be developed in two phases.

Affiliation and accreditation are considered fundamental to the success of the projects. After due development, the Institute has to evolve into a degree avoiding one.

These basic requisites make it imperative, the building is modern and facilities are state of the art.

Phase I of the project would involve renovation of an existing building and providing the necessary equipment.

Phase II would be a green field five storied building to accommodate additional students. 

Fundamental principles governing the projects are:

*It should be a stand-alone project.*It should have a built in capability for self-sustainability*Donor contribution is decidedly one-off*Surplus accruals will fund future expansion 

CIIT

An Institute located in Colombo is the second project. It will be modeled on the SJIIT. The two will work in close liaison.

Considering the high cost of management in Colombo, this Institute will have diploma courses as well as courses in English for part time students.

Land and building for CIIT is estimated at Rs. 200 – 225 million or US$ 2 million. Leasing a building for five years is preferred initially since rent may be less than Rs. 20 million per annum.  Recurrent costs may be around Rs. 40 million annually.  

A management structure has been thought of, and it could be firmed up once funding is in place.

PROPOSED PROJECT 1St. JOHN’S INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-SJIIT

Introduction:In modern times the world is witness to a tremendous transformation. Societies have become knowledge- based and the economies are technology-driven. The scale of change is global and no part of the world is left untouched. Recognising this reality, educational pursuits require to be appropriately directed. There is a compulsion therefore to march in step with the times. This thinking underscores the effort in extending modern education to a war affected ethnic entity-the Tamils of Sri Lanka.   Widening Access: The need for providing opportunities and enhancing avenues to coveted fields of study has been of much interest and concern to educationists in Sri Lanka. Tamils of Sri Lanka buffeted by conditions of turmoil have been denied adequate opportunities for over quarter of a century. Emigration for purposes of higher education  has been an option for some Tamil students who had the resources. This phenomenon is neither equitable nor healthy. Stemming such a tendency and providing avenues of study in the home country and more particularly in their place of birth is considered a more acceptable and viable option. To give shape to this idea, an Institute of Technology in Jaffna is proposed.

Project Profile: It is widely recognized that Information Technology, Bio Technology and Nano Technology are three areas that dominate the world today. They are destined to hold sway for a few decades. Relegating B.T and N.T to Universities and Research Institutions, Information Technology is identified as the area most appropriate for post secondary students. The project proponents have singled out I.T and the related fields of I.T.E.S and B.P.O for investment and development so as to allure these students. High end income is the source of attraction

The Institute is conceived of as a Degree awarding institution. The courses are spread over four years .After completing two years of study, the third year will be devoted to enable the students to gain work experience .It is deemed best that the students do this at the SJIT, in Jaffna itself. 

For this purpose it is proposed to establish a Development Centre as part of the Institute. It will be headed by an IT Architect, supported by a Project Manager. The students will stand in for Leads and Engineers. It is envisaged that if a pipeline is established to Silicon Valley ,project work outsourced from there can provide scope for fruitful work and experience. In addition, it may provide a source of income as well. It is therefore desired that the SJIT establishes a strong linkage with a software institution in Colombo.

In order to pitch standards high and to enable the students to complete their course of study abroad, the option of affiliation and accreditation will be pursued.   Project Proponents: The project proponents comprise three groups. GroupI- Lancaster based professionals drawn from the Tamil diaspora supported by socially minded donors in the U.S.A. GroupII- Colombo-based Tamil professionals and well wishers. GroupIII- Jaffna based professionals and old boys of St. John’s College Jaffna. The three groups drawn together by a common concern and committed to serve the same cause will act in concert with close interaction and in active cooperation. 

Future Scope:It is estimated that in the next 3-4 years, 5000 I.T. professionals are needed in the country. The number of Engineers passing out each year is only around 750. Students who have an inclination for science and mathematics are languishing in the North and East of Sri Lanka for want of access to facilities for higher studies. The state of Tamil Nadu in India with only three times the population of Sri Lanka produces more than 80,000 engineers annually. This is rendered possible by the availability  of 272 engineering Colleges and Universities devoted to engineering. With I.T. scaling steadily up, the bulk of them seek high end employment  in I.T. and related fields.

None of the Universities in the North East of Sri Lanka have a faculty for engineering. Nor are there Engineering Colleges either private or public. Facilities for a degree in Computer Science or I.T related fields are available in this region only for a few. 

Enrolment in Universities:In 2006 new admissions to schools were around 328,000. In the same year, new admissions to Universities were 16,622. The University admissions may be contrasted with 118,770 who were qualified to enter the Universities. As much as 86% were denied admissions for want of space. (Source: University Grants Commission and the Central Bank) 

Deprivation:Out of the 102,148 who were denied admission in 2006, Tamil students may be estimated at 6,000. The proposal to establish an Institute of Technology is founded on the consideration of providing higher education at tertiary level to around 120 students per annum who would compose 2% of the catchment of 6000 students who are shut out for lack of avenues for higher education every year. 

Anchor Principles:The project is structured on the fundamental premise that education is costly. It demands a price and parents through their perseverance and austere lives

should accumulate the means to pay for it. Having learnt from experience that a “social service approach” dooms a project, the project proponents quite advisedly choose the line of management along modern fiscal principles. The project is therefore envisaged as a stand alone one with capacity to continue on a self- sustaining basis.The sustenance of the project is founded on student fees. A good degree would demand quality instruction, requiring well paid staff and high- cost facilities. On standards, there will be no compromise.

The project will be established with donor assistance which is designed as a one- off contribution. The fee structure will be so worked out as to yield a surplus every semester. The surplus that accrues to the Institute will be used for a doubling of capacity ie doubling the number of beneficiaries. Such an objective will mandate frugal operations as fundamental to efficient management. The project through the manner of its implementation and management would destroy the dependency syndrome among parents and build the culture of robust independence in the student community.

Why in Jaffna: Jaffna has had the distinction of placing a premium value on education. When the Missionaries came to Jaffna in early nineteenth century, the people welcomed them and embraced modern education most willingly. They also acquired a high proficiency in English. As a preferred choice, they took to classics and humanities, and later to science and mathematics. With a good grounding in these disciplines, entering the civil services and the coveted professions of engineering, medicine, law and accountancy was easy for them. Their educational attainments together with fluency in English enabled them to reach vantage positions. This phenomenon was spread over a century and a half.  In the last quarter of a century Tamils of Sri Lanka have seen declining access in the above fields. Therefore providing fresh avenues appropriate to the present era is seen as an extremely pressing and worthwhile need. The world has seen in the last two decades rapid strides in Technology, particularly in I.T, I.T Enabled Services and Business Process Outsourcing(B.P.O). These are the fields that are being diligently chosen by the students. Response to student demand suggests an orientation along these specific lines for future courses of study. 

Why Under the Aegis of St.John’s   College : St.John’s college, Jaffna, a Church Missionary Society(C.M.S) institution is the second oldest College in Sri Lanka. With a history spanning 184 years, it enjoys an enviable reputation in the sphere of education. The College has produced academicians, professionals, administrators, diplomats and men of letters. Old boys have been Members of Parliament and some were Ministers. A succession of English Principals have built up fine traditions for over a century.

St. John’s owns the property located in front of the College. It had managed a post-secondary Academy for over two decades in this property. With the benefit of long years of institutional experience and tradition, the Principal is well poised to occupy a central place in the project.  Quite advisedly the S.J.I.T will have an exclusive Board of Management. The management  of the College and the Institute will be totally distinct and separate. However, ex-officio, the Principal will be called upon to be the Chairman of the Board. The CEO who bears the brunt of the work will be a full-time paid official and he

will be supported by a whole complement of staff. The record of achievement and the goodwill earned and retained for very nearly two centuries will assist in taking the new project to laudable heights.  

The Organisation:Leading citizens from Sri Lanka, along with professionals drawn from the diaspora will manage the project with a tri-partite arrangement. The three parties are as follows: 

1. A Jaffna-based Board of Management will be constituted to set up the Institute and to run it. Decision making authority will be vested in this Board. The membership of the Board will be drawn from the disciplines of Computer Science, I.T., Accountancy, Administration and EducationThe project proponent in Jaffna is the Principal, St.John’s College Jaffna. Till the Board  is formally constituted, he will be the shadow Chairman of the Board. The Board will comprise 7 members. Jaffna is the host city. 2. A Colombo- based Advisory Panel located in the capital city of Colombo. Since the capital is home to major educational institutions and businesses dealing with I.T, I.T.E.S. ,and B.P.O, the desirability of a Colombo-based Advisory Panel is recognized. Men of  distinction who have distinguished themselves in the fields of education, administration, computer science and I.T will be selected for membership in the Panel. The Panel will be composed of 7 members.3. Lancaster- based Consultative Body widely representative of the diaspora in the U.S. as well as other countries will be composed. This Body, based in Lancaster, California is principal among the project proponents and is involved from the very outset in project formulation, fund mobilization and consultative services. The membership is designed to encompass various disciplines. 

Co-ordination:Close interaction among the three groups will conduce to healthy coordination. This will be achieved through exchange of minutes and other related documents. Tele-conferencing too will be a means of communication.

PROPOSED PROJECT 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Nestling off the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has beguiled travelers for centuries with its palm-fringed beaches, diverse landscapes and historical monuments.

But for nearly two decades, the island has been scarred by a bitter civil war arising out of ethnic tensions. Sri Lanka was struck with a second blow brought by the December 2004 tsunami.

Visions of HopeFor Under Privileged in Sri Lanka

e3Visions of Hope

For Under Privileged in Sri Lanka

e3e3

According to UNICEF, the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka is deteriorating, and perpetuating armed conflict has brought the death toll to over 4,000 and over 200,000 persons internally displaced since August 2006. The situation for children remains precarious.

65,000 children in the North and East are out of school 4000 children lost one or both parents in the December 2004 tsunami. 21,000 children live in orphanages

University education is free but extremely limited. Less than 12% (less than 16,000 students) of those qualified get admission to the State Universities and of those only half graduates. The majority give up any hope for higher education due the inability to fund their studies. This is one of the underlying causes of the ongoing ethnic strife. Increasing access to Education & employment opportunities is the key to peace & prosperity in Sri Lanka.

This project proposal calls for establishing a foundation called e3 in Sri Lanka that would consist of a higher technical education institute and an employment incubation center providing the graduates employment opportunities to leverage growing software outsourcing opportunities. e3

foundation would expand access to education & employment opportunities to under privileged youth in affected areas.

Education would focus on technical proficiency in software development and basic proficiencies in Math, English, Tamil and Sinhala. Entrepreneurship would be taught by students developing “Field Deployable Projects (FDP)” (and/or outsourced software projects). Marketing the FDP’s to local & overseas business enterprises would form the basis for long term funding of this model.

Unlike basic sciences that require years of education, we are of the view that we can accomplish a great deal with “software” based economy and tap into booming outsourcing opportunities from India.

Lower infra structure costs Can be geared up within a short period of time Quicker employment impact with software outsourcing projects

First phase would establish an Institution of higher education in Colombo. This would act as the nucleus of other institutes to be established in other war & Tsunami affected areas of the country. Expansion would be based on availability of funding. The Colombo based institution would help establish disciplined approach to curriculum, training, accountability and transparency.

Target Students: Initial intake would primarily come from the orphanage, Sakthi Illam run by Manitha Neyam Trust, in Ratmalana, Colombo. This orphanage has 170 children between the ages of 4-18 with 70% of them falling within our target student age. The long term goal however is to target under privileged youth with the following being prioritized:

Under privileged / Orphaned youth internally displaced due to war and/or Tsunami

Under privileged / Orphaned youth from internally displaced families Orphaned youth

Approach:

There are two organizations that have come together to support this project.

1. ITTPO - a US institution that had successfully established “Vannitech” in Kilinochi, Sri Lanka in 2004. This model forms the foundation of this project proposal. More information at www.ittpo.org. ITTPO’s role:

Main role is to secure funding and maintain higher standards on education, staffing and accountability

Regulate curriculum and gain certification by US based institutions Jointly screen Director level staffing Coordinate visiting lecturers from overseas both to train the

instructors as well as students2. “Manitha Neyam Trust – A Sri Lanka based institution that is currently

supporting multiple orphanages in Sri Lanka. More information at www.manithaneyam.org

Provide local supervision, accountability and transparency Secure facilities and manage the budget Recruit and staff the institution Support efforts to gain funding from local and international

institutions

Manitha Neyam has already identified an individual to lead the effort in Sri Lanka and also located a building in Bambalapitya to get the program started.

Budget:

The first year budget is projected to cost approximately US $260,000 for the first three years of operation. This includes US $60,000 for initial capital outlay.

Your Support:

We appeal for your support to get this project off the ground. We also welcome other institutions that share our vision of achieving peace & prosperity through education, entrepreneurship and employment, to join us as founding partners. Financial support is critical to either directly or through other US based institutions.

Sponsor a student for 3 years $5,000 Sponsor a lecturer for 3 years $5,000 Sponsor computer equipment $25,000

Both ITTPO and Manitha Neyam Trust are registered as charities in the USA and NGOs in Sri Lanka. You can contribute to this project through either of these institutions.

Contacts: Shan Nantha Kumar, Chairman, ITTPO. chairman@ittpo.org CFO, Altierre Corporation, USA

V. Kailasapillai ,Chairman, Manitha Neyam Trust.chairman@manithaneyam.orgRetired Deputy Chairman, John Keels Group of Companies

& Past Chairman, Colombo Stock Exchange

ABOUT VISIONS

Our Mission

Visions is a global nonprofit organization that seeks to educate, uplift, and empower disadvantaged youth and communities globally by providing academic and professional assistance through training in English, IT, and Leadership Skills. We work with underprivileged young people, teachers, and others in developing countries toward enabling them to become self-sufficient, leadership-oriented, and capable of participating in a global economy. We strive to uplift those who are less fortunate through education by creating opportunities and facilitating a worldwide exchange of knowledge, experiences, and talents. Currently Visions has operations in Sri Lanka and Kenya.

Efforts

Over the last 5 years, Visions has successfully held 10 Visions Leadership Camps in Sri Lanka (8) and Kenya (2), put several young girls and boys on scholarship, supported schools and children’s homes across Sri Lanka, and provided general community and organizational support to those actively seeking to better their society. We are currently working on a number of larger efforts including:

The Kalagam Visions Learning Centre in Colombo Effective English Teaching Program Professional Assistance Initiative Scholarship Program St. John’s IT Institutes in Jaffna & Colombo

Contact

Visions1621 Barry Ave. #PH1Los Angeles, CA 90025

www.visionsforthefuture.orgwww.visionseducation.blogspot.com

gtbuie@gmail.com714.315.0518

ABOUT OPERATION USA

Mission

Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty throughout the world by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. We provide material and financial assistance to grassroots organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, provide education and health services, and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people.

EffortsDomestic & International Emergency ReliefOperation USA has experienced that, instantaneously, a family, community and entire nation can be devastated and be faced with unprecedented challenges. To mitigate the immediate effects of such tragedies, Operation USA rapidly and expertly provides on-the-ground aid by sending vital life-saving supplies and cash grants to assist communities in rebuilding. Partnering with grassroots organizations, Operation USA specializes in reaching vulnerable populations who are in the greatest need, yet who are often ignored by governments and larger aid organizations.

Rapid Relief Recovery & Rebuilding Long-Term Development

Domestic Community Building

In-Kind Donations & Shipments

Contact

3617 Hayden Avenue, Suite ACulver City, California 90232

www.opusa.orgEmail: info@opusa.org

Phone: 310.838.3455Toll free: 800.678.7255

ITTPO (International Tamil Technical Professionals’ Organization)

About: The International Tamil Technical Professionals’ Organization (ITTPO) is intended to bring the Tamil technical professionals and other volunteers around the world under one organization and channel their expertise to the development of the war-torn Northeast Sri Lanka. ITTPO’s mission is to:

Coordinate with the technical professionals around the world and channel their expertise to the development of war-torn Northeast

Provide resources for high-tech education and generate employment opportunities

Make the people of Northeast technically competent Work towards to bring the Northeast to be technically par to the

developed countries

Efforts:VanniTech: The first of its kind high-tech educational establishment in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka. VanniTech is located in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka and was inaugurated on 23rd of June, 2003. The establishment – Vanni Institute of Technology (VanniTech), is currently teaching the students, instructors and professionals, the latest hardware, software and computer networking related technologies that are immediately beneficial to the region’s current technological and economical growth.

Tech Shack: TechShack, VanniTech’s Employment Incubation Center, was setup as a high-tech solutions center for the purpose of training students and encouraging creation of employment. It utilizes VanniTech students and graduates to serve the technological advancement of North-East Sri Lanka. TechShack has provided technical solutions and assistance to governmental, non-governmental organizations and other local business entities to enhance their efficiency, productivity and services. It has also attracted international outsourcing projects.

Contact:ITTPO Vanni Institute of Technology3106 Pepita Court KilinochiSan Jose, CA 95132 Sri Lanka

directors@ittpo.org info@vanni.orgwww.ittpo.org www.vanni.org

Have you found success?Would you like to help others achieve it too?

www.visionsforthefuture.org

Visions is a nonprofit charitable organization (501(c)(3) status pending) that aims to educate and empower orphaned and disadvantaged youth in Sri Lanka and Kenya.

Visions hopes to train these young people on how to become community leaders, while creating awareness, leadership and a sense of global citizenship. Our mission is to educate, uplift, and empower disadvantaged youth and communities globally by providing academic & professional assistance through training in English, IT, and

Leadership Skills.

CONFERENCE CONTACTS:Name/Title Organization Contact

Speakers:

Greg Buie, Co-Director Visions gtbuie@gmail.comMeera Pathmarajah, Director Visions mpathmar@yahoo.comShan Nantha Kumar, Chairman ITTPO snkumar1@comcast.netNimmi Gowrinathan, Director, South Asia Programs

Operation USA ngowrinathan@opusa.org

Subramaniam Sivathasan (St. John’s) sivathasan38@gmail.comAnandaraj Ponnambalam ITTPO ananponn@hotmail.comChelvan Vithiananthan chevyv@gmail.comS. Skandakumar kskanda2002@yahoo.com

Participants:John (Mithiran) Karunananthan karunananthan@yahoo.co

mAings Aingaran aings@stanfordalumni.orgArul Arulmoli arulmoli@earthmech.comDr. Karunyan Arulanantham karul@verizon.netDr. Canagaratnam Pathmarajah pat42801@yahoo.comW. Harrichandran whcint@hotmail.comDr. Moorthy smoorthy05@gmail.comDr. Thiagarajah docthia@gmail.comAnjana Pathmarajah, Program Officer, Global Health Education

Visions anji725@verizon.net

Kugan Kandasamy Manitha Neyam Trust

kugan@cox.net

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