o Specific authorization and mandate for ICTA to implement all the components of the e-Sri Lanka Development Project; o Authorize ICTA to recommend to the Cabinet of Ministers the appropriate policy and regulatory framework required for the implementation of the e-Sri Lanka development project and to support ICT development in Sri Lanka; o Authorize ICTA to periodically review the above programme components and make such modifications as may be required from time to time in keeping with the Policy as approved by the government. Subsequently the Information and Communication Technology (Amendment) Act, No. 33 of 2008 Act has empowered ICTA to submit recommendations to the Inter-Ministerial Committee for formulating the National ICT Policy Framework for submission to the Cabinet of Ministers for their approval. This document has been formulated consequent to the above mandates given to ICTA by the Cabinet in various forms as described above. A.3. Objectives This document is to serve as a set of policies and procedures for the government sector in using ICTs to achieve overall development within organizations and in delivery of government services. It will assist in benchmarking each organization’s activities against the Policy, which will enable organizations to identify the areas which need attention and where rectification needs to be carried out. It will also ensure consistency in ICT activities and practices. The Policy articulates the minimum requirements expected of government organizations, and government organizations could add on to this and create their own organizational ICT policies and procedures, within this Policy framework. Thus, the Policy is mandatory for providing a unified approach in implementing e-government services and achieving the following; o o o o o Improved efficiency and effectiveness of government organizations in Sri Lanka thereby making each government organization’s budget go further. Ease and accessibility of government information and services for citizens, and other government organizations. Promote good governance. Develop ICT competence among government employees. Manage ICT resources in sustainable manner. (B) Operational Framework B.1. Timeframe The implementation time frame is three years, commencing January 2009 and shall be extended from time to time, as determined by the government, with appropriate modifications. All government organizations should adopt the policy and procedures within the assigned time frame. The policies and procedures envisaged under this document will not be a static. It will be updated as frequently as required, taking into account changing trends in the environment, in technology, and changes in business processes. 2