Colombo – February 18, 2026: The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is accelerating nationwide 4G broadband expansion under its ‘Communication to the Village’ initiative, aimed at improving connectivity in underserved and rural areas.
Launched in 2021 under the Finance Act No. 11 of 2004, the national project focuses on extending mobile network infrastructure to locations with limited or no communication facilities. The model involves cost-sharing between mobile service providers and TRCSL to construct new communication towers.
According to Cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath, 83 communication towers have been completed so far, enabling mobile services in previously underserved communities.
New Reimbursement Model to Boost Rollout
Project momentum slowed in recent years due to rising operational costs and limited revenue generation from some rural towers, particularly amid Sri Lanka’s broader economic challenges.
To address these constraints, TRCSL has introduced revised reimbursement guidelines. The regulator will now cover up to Rs. 35 million or 75% of the actual construction cost per tower and associated equipment, whichever is lower. The enhanced support aims to make rural tower deployment more financially viable for operators.
The proposal was presented to the Cabinet by the President, who also serves as Minister of Digital Economy. The Cabinet approved the strengthened funding mechanism to ensure faster and more effective delivery of connectivity services to rural communities.
Supporting Digital Inclusion
The expanded 4G rollout is part of Sri Lanka’s broader digital economy agenda, aimed at improving internet access, supporting rural businesses, enabling digital public services, and reducing the connectivity gap between urban and remote regions.
By subsidizing infrastructure deployment in low-return areas, TRCSL is seeking to balance commercial viability with national digital inclusion goals.
