Community

Just as every individual has a place in society and the community, so does SLT, as an institution. We occupy a place in people's lives, not just because we provide them with products and services, unique thought they may be since we are in the business of putting people in touch with each other, but because we form relationships that allow both parties to enter the life of the other.

Their issues become ours and vice versa. The one needs the other. And then, we share the world we live in, with all its pressing needs of conservation and protection of vital resources.

We share common goals in reaching for a life of value and dignity; a life of peace and prosperity within whatever social strata we exist.

SLT is justifiably proud of its role in the wider community of Sri Lanka.

Moulding Intellect
SLT continued to partner The Asia Foundation, a leading non-profit organisation working in Sri Lanka since 1954, in their "Books for Asia" programme.

SLT recognised the vital need that exists in Sri Lanka for providing the means for education as well as the promotion of English as a link language. Therefore the Company decided to make a substantial contribution to this programme, which facilitated the initial distribution of 60,000 books valued at over US$ 2 million.

SLT will evaluate the outcome of this initial contribution and plan further involvement with this programme in the years ahead.

The Company's contribution was the single largest corporate donation the Foundation has received to date.

In July 2004, SLT joined hands with The Asia Foundation once again under the Company's "Spreading the Wealth of Knowledge" programme. Identifying the access to good books as a major requirement in the search for knowledge and skills, the Company entered into an agreement with The Asia Foundation to promote and provide practical opportunities for the young and the elderly to gain access to knowledge and learning.

The project kicked off in Anuradhapura where 250 English Language books were donated to the Rajarata University's library. Then in August, 850 books were presented through the Mawanella Provincial Council, whilst 150 books were presented to the Moratuwa University. A further consignment of books was presented to the Sarvodaya Movement.

The Company took its theme, "Spreading the Wealth of Knowledge" even further afield and commemorated Reading Month by presenting 3,500 books to the Central Province Library Services Board, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation. Another 2,000 books were presented to the Technical College, Maradana.

There are, of course, other ways of moulding intellect and sharpening wit. SLT presented a Challenge Trophy for the winners of the Inter-Schools Debating Competition. Thirty schools participated at this event which sought to hone their skills in the English Language as well as develop competence and knowledge.

SLT sponsored the Sri Lankan delegation to the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in 2004. The team did extremely well, winning 1 Gold and 3 Bronze medals. This event basically tests technical skill in algorithmic programming, requiring contestants to compete individually in solving a set of programming issues.

The Company also sponsored the "Anatoly Karpov" Chess Tournament conducted by the Russian Centre, Colombo.

The SLT - CIMA Partnership
For some years now, SLT has been partnering the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in furthering career opportunities through the avenues of training provided by CIMA. This signifies the working together of two top entities - SLT a top corporate and CIMA the custodian of a global management accounting qualification.

SLT signed an MoU with CIMA which seeks to share and develop areas relating to professional development in the Management and Information Technology sectors. Both parties will focus on school children, school leavers, graduates, postgraduates and professionals.

SLT came in as Strategic Partner for CIMA's 26th National Conference which was held on the theme, "The Quest for Excellence - Leveraging Global Best Practices".

The Company was once again partnered by CIMA in holding a series of Career Guidance seminars for youth. One programme was held for 200 first-year undergraduates of the Colombo University whilst another addressed 200 third and fourth year undergraduates of the Communications and Engineering faculties of the University of Moratuwa.

Partnering other Professional Institutes
SLT collaborated with four other professional bodies, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, The Institute of Personnel Management and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators to present a mega-programme on the theme, "To be Number One".

We partnered the ACCA to host "Mini Comfest" competitions islandwide, as well as the National Competition.

Some other Highlights of the Year
The Company sponsored the 6th International Conference on Information Technology (IITC) and the 2nd International Conference on e-Governance (ICEG).

IITC was themed "From Research to Reality" and highlighted the benefits of IT and Communications Technologies to Sri Lankan society.

ICEG was themed, "From Policy to Reality" and sought to demonstrate how electronic governance could re-engineer the way governments dealt with problems, enhancing efficiency and delivering services to the people in a more responsible manner.

Our staff have come forward voluntarily on several occasions, to show they care for their community. Many have been the contributions made by way of aid to the distressed, uniforms for school children, etc. They usually mark special days of religious or cultural significance with such acts of kindness.

During the drought in 2004, staff came together under the banners of the SLT Welfare Division and the SLT Buddhist Society to distribute dry rations to 1,300 affected families. The aid totalling Rs.1 million was distributed through several Buddhist Temples in the area.

SLT has also worked with schools to introduce them to the Internet and the abundant world of knowledge that can be accessed through it. Called "Web Spinners Unite", our programme of activity for 2004 saw the Company reach out to 25 schools from all parts of the island. Nine schools launched websites of their own.

"SLT Team Leader" is the name of a programme the Company has put forth to develop the correct personalities and leadership qualities in school children. Styled "Grooming the Youth", the Company's programme at St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa adopted a practical approach to instructing students on team spirit, organising studies and achieving objectives.

In the sphere of arts and culture, SLT has stepped forward to sponsor the rebuilding of the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya. An event to raise funding and awareness "Nrithanjali" featuring the Chitrasena-Vajira Dance Foundation was staged in 2004, under the sponsorship of SLT.