Sri Lanka has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, allowing the satellite internet provider to offer broadband services in the country. This follows a recent amendment to the telecommunications law, enabling Starlink’s entry. The move is part of Musk’s broader strategy to expand Starlink’s presence in South Asia, including India.
Sri Lanka has become the fastest adopter of digital payments in South Asia, with a 20% increase in digital transactions since 2019. Visa Corporation highlights significant growth, particularly in tap-and-pay transactions. Despite high consumer spending, there remains a need for education on cashless payments for merchants and consumers.
The Committee on Public Finance has approved the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill, aiming to regulate satellite-based internet services and modernize industry regulations. The bill, developed with stakeholder input, introduces new licensing types, strengthens the TRC’s powers, and promotes competitive market practices for consumer benefits.
Dialog Axiata has completed the acquisition of Airtel Lanka through a share swap. Post-acquisition, Axiata holds 73.75% of Dialog, Bharti Airtel 10.355%, and the public 15.895%. Both brands will continue to serve customers while merging networks to enhance connectivity. The move aims to drive growth and innovation in Sri Lanka’s telecom sector.
Dialog Axiata has acquired 100% control of Bharti Airtel Lanka via a share swap, reducing Axiata Group’s stake to 73.75% and giving Bharti Airtel 10.355%. The merger aims to improve efficiencies, cut costs, and enhance customer experience, adding 5 million subscribers to Dialog’s existing 18 million.
Sri Lanka’s computer literacy has increased to 39% in 2023, with digital literacy at 63.5%, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. Household computer ownership is at 20.2%, with urban areas showing higher rates of both computer and digital skills compared to rural and estate sectors.
PhonePe has partnered with PickMe to offer UPI-based payments for Indian travelers in Sri Lanka, enhancing convenience and security for tourists while supporting digital transformation in the country’s transportation sector.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has granted preliminary approval for Starlink to provide satellite internet services. Final approval is pending a formal public consultation process, with details to be published tomorrow, as announced by Technology State Minister Kanaka Herath.
The Sri Lankan government is amending telecom laws to allow independent companies to build telecom towers, aiming to accelerate tower rollouts and support the digital economy’s expansion to $15 billion by 2030. The amendments are expected to be debated in parliament soon.
The Sri Lankan government is set to draft a National Cyber Security Act to enhance digital safety. Announced by State Minister Kanaka Herath, the act addresses the need spurred by Sri Lankans’ 74 million social media accounts. This move is part of the broader National Digital Strategy 2030.
