Dialog, Huawei, Simsyn Enable Toll-Free Distance Learning

Dialog Axiata PLC, together with Huawei and Simsyn, has extended its support for the education sector by introducing teleconference solutions for schools across Sri Lanka, as selected by the Ministry of Education. This is an extension of the Nenasa 1377 distance learning initiative launched in March 2020.

Unlike most online teaching solutions requiring internet access, this toll-free distance learning platform allows students to join classroom conference sessions using any device and network, ensuring no child is left behind. Students with internet access can join via a web portal, while others can participate using a feature phone or landline through the Nenasa 1377 hotline.

The platform can accommodate up to 48 students via the hotline and 100 students via the web portal per session. Initially launched for 100 schools, it aims to expand to 1,000 schools to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on education.

Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma highlighted that this initiative marks a turning point in Sri Lanka's education system, providing equitable access to learning. With less than 30% of households having internet access, the telephone-based solution ensures broader reach.

Supun Weerasinghe, Group CEO of Dialog Axiata, emphasized the importance of bridging digital disparities through teleconferencing solutions and expressed gratitude to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and network operators for making this initiative accessible across all networks.

This initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. Dialog also runs various educational platforms under the Nenasa initiative, including Nenasa TV, Nenasa Smart School, Nenasa App, and the Nenasa 1377 O/L helpline.

As part of its COVID-19 response, Dialog continues to provide accessible digital solutions across multiple sectors, supporting over 15 million Sri Lankans with e-Learning, e-Health, e-Tainment, and other digital services.