Progress Report April 2003

ITTPO is an independent, non-profit, and a federal tax exempt (501 (c) (3)) organization in the USA and an approved NGO in Sri Lanka.

Progress Report – April 2003

Highlights

· Pledges towards VanniTech fund have reached the target

· ITTPO has been approved as an tax exempt organization by the State of California

· Jey Kumara Surier, the CTO of ITTPO, is in Sri Lanka to work on the VanniTech project

· Application to obtain NGO status has been filed with the Government of Sri Lanka

· Jey has made progress in other fronts in establishing the VanniTech

· One container full of computer equipment and other educational items were shipped to Vanni

· Course work outlines and admission procedures are being finalized

Report

· Pledges towards VanniTech fund have reached the target

Ø Thanks to many generous donors, ITTPO’s fundraising efforts towards VanniTech project were very successful.

Ø Through both conventional and online fundraising methods, ITTPO reached the goal with total pledges of about US$124,247.10. So far, US$78,000 has been collected.

Ø We kindly request everyone who have pledged already but not paid yet, to please send their contribution to the ITTPO Treasurer as soon as possible.

Ø We also request your continuous support for the project in all forms. More financial help will undoubtedly enhance the project.

· ITTPO has been approved as an tax exempt organization by the State of California

Ø In September of 2002, ITTPO was registered as a non-profit corporation with the State of California.

Ø In January 2003, applications were made to the State of California and to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain tax exempt status.

Ø In March 2003, State of California has approved the application for tax exempt status for ITTPO.

Ø Approval for the tax exempt status from IRS is pending.

· Jey Kumara Surier, the CTO of ITTPO, is in Sri Lanka to work on the VanniTech project

Ø Jey Kumara Surier left for Sri Lanka on February 02, 2003.

Ø Jey will spend about a year in Sri Lanka.

Ø His main goal would be to establish VanniTech and run the day to day operation until a local board to be established by ITTPO takes over the administration.

· Application to obtain NGO status has been filed with the Government of Sri Lanka

Ø Jey filed an application with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), seeking Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status for ITTPO.

Ø This approval is vital to the proper establishment of VanniTech. This would give legal status for ITTPO and VanniTech in Sri Lanka and to seek future help from other agencies and governments.

Ø The delay in obtaining this approval has affected our intended schedule. But we are hopeful that the approval will be granted soon.

· Jey has made progress in other fronts in establishing the VanniTech

Ø Jey Kumara Surier is shuttling between Vanni and Colombo, doing preparatory work for the establishment of VanniTech.

Ø Jey has obtained at least three quotations for needed equipment and furniture.

Ø Jey has been talking to potential candidates for teaching and administrative positions. He has identified some of the staff.

Ø The VanniTech facility in Kilinochchi is being remodeled according to Jey’s instructions.

· One container full of computer equipment and other educational items were shipped to Vanni

Ø In March 2003, ITTPO collected and shipped to Sri Lanka a container full of equipment, books, and other items for VanniTech.

Ø The items included but not limited to in the shipment are, both used and new computers, network equipment, books, and software packages.

Ø Many of the items were donated by well wishers and we are indebted to them.

Ø The shipment will reach Sri Lanka in the middle of April.

· Course work outlines and admission procedures are being finalized

Ø ITTPO is in the process of finalizing the coursework outline and the admission procedure (admission criteria, application form, screening procedure, aptitude and English tests, Interview procedure etc.).

Ø In addition to the ITTPO board, numerous technical experts are helping us in this effort. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped us and continue to help us in this effort.

· Finally, a lot has been accomplished in a short period of time. However, a lot more needs to be done. We appreciate all your help so far and continue to depend on your support for the successful establishment of VanniTech.