Prof. Gihan Dias, who played a pioneering role in bringing the internet to Sri Lanka around 35 years ago, is the Domain Registrar, CEO, and Director of the LK Domain Registry, as well as a faculty member of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. He recently gave an interview with Asoka Dias Interviews.
Summary of the discussion:
Around 1988–1989:
Prof. Gihan Dias played a crucial role in introducing the concept of the internet to Sri Lanka. At a time when the internet was just emerging globally, he initiated efforts to connect Sri Lankan academic and research communities internationally.
1989:
He helped establish SLNet, Sri Lanka’s first email system, which allowed Sri Lankan students and researchers abroad to communicate and receive news from home. This was a groundbreaking step that laid the foundation for internet connectivity in the country.
1991:
Prof. Dias co-founded LAcNet (Lanka Academic Network), a nonprofit network aimed at linking academic institutions across Sri Lanka and abroad, promoting education and research through digital communication.
Early 1990s:
Through his efforts with LAcNet and later the LEARN (Lanka Educational and Research Network) project, he helped develop one of Sri Lanka’s first internet backbone systems, enabling internet access primarily for universities and research institutions.
Impact:
These early initiatives by Prof. Dias and his team effectively marked the beginning of internet connectivity in Sri Lanka around 1989–1990—roughly 35 years ago—making him a key figure in the country’s digital history. The discussion provides a detailed explanation of this remarkable growth, from its humble beginnings to the wide-reaching digital infrastructure seen today.