December 17, Colombo: Dr. Arthur C Clarke launching the official website of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed delight at the use of the internet and communication technology to broaden democracy.

While celebrating his 86th birthday Dr. Clarke remembered his small days and how he spent time among the mose code machines at home. He said that both his parents were mose code operators and he also from time to time used to operate them although sometimes he urged to fold a sleep.

Soon after launching the website,www.mahindarajapaksa.com, Dr. Clarke cut the birthday cake and shared his happiness with the distingused gathering at Hilton Colombo residencies in Colombo last evening.

The occasion was streamed over the internet around the globe with over 38,000 witnessing the proceeding live.

Mr. Dilanthe Withanage of Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka said that Sri Lanka was taking a big step forwards e-democracy through the launch of this website. He explained how politicians in a developing country like Sri Lanka should make communications technology easily available to the people to empower them.

Team Leader of Public Interest Programme Unit of Sri Lanka Professor Rohan Samarajiva pointed out the need to regularly update the site and make it truly interactive.

Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his special thanks to all those who helped to make the site a reality, specially Gamini Gunaratna from USA and Athula Pushpakumara from Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by Former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, PA MP and former Minister A. H. M. Fowzie, NUA Leader and former Minister Ferial Ashroff, The Governor of western Province Alavi Maulana, PA MP Chamal Rajapaksa distinguished personalities in Sri Lanka.