All 254 submissions that were received this year were carefully judged by a jury comprising local and international experts and has selected 51 finalists, 10 merit awards and 25 winners.

The e-Swabhimani is an initiative of the Information Communication technology agency of Sri Lanka aimed at recognizing excellence in digital content creation. It is expected that this national award would stimulate a greater interest in the development of a wide range of content and services that would serve the needs of society.

ICTA Content Manager Shriyananda Rathnayake said that e-Swabhimani was conducted under the following nine categories:

e-Government and Institutions
e-Health and Environment
e-Learning and Education
e-Entertainment and Games
e-Culture and Heritage
e-Science and Technology
e-Business and Commerce
e-Inclusion and Participation
m-Content

In principle these categories tally with the thematic areas of the internationally acclaimed UN-based World Summit Award (WSA). Sticking to the same thematic areas in the local counterpart contest facilitates e-Swabhimani winners becoming contestants at the WSA.(KH)