Harin blames former president for Google Loon Project failure

The former Minister of Telecommunication & Digital Infrastructure told Parliament if the Google Loon Project, which was in the top 10 in the top 100 inventions, was implemented it would have addressed the connectivity issues faced by Sri Lankan children who are compelled to learn online.

He said the project which was removed from Sri Lanka was given to Kenya, and today Kenya had countrywide 4G coverage.

He said thereafter, he proposed to Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to implement the program to provide Tabs to school students.

He said to even his surprise, the project which was transparent and done in coordination with Microsoft, was moved away from the Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and vested with the Ministry of Education, and it was only revealed during the budget speech at the time.

Harin Fernando said it was changed so that someone can enter into a deal, adding rogues were present in both government and opposition.