Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka is embedding strong cybersecurity principles into its national AI-first digital economy blueprint to protect against rising global scam networks and strengthen economic competitiveness. Officials emphasize that cybersecurity and digital trust are now core drivers of national growth, with efforts aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s global standing in cyber-resilience and digital capability benchmarks.
Sri Lanka’s AI-native innovation studio Futurity has secured seed funding from top private investors to accelerate its mission of embedding invisible, intuitive AI into everyday business operations. With flagship products Omni and Query, a newly formed board, and plans for rapid market expansion, the startup aims to redefine how enterprises access knowledge, automate tasks, and create intelligent digital experiences.
Sri Lanka’s TRC has confirmed steep telecom taxes: 20.3% on mobile data and 38.4% on voice calls. A Rs. 100 recharge gives users just Rs. 79.30 for data or Rs. 61.60 for calls. The TRC generated Rs. 45 billion last year and expects Rs. 50 billion next year, as telecom taxes continue to impact consumer spending power.
Sri Lanka’s SLT-MOBITEL has set a new national 5G speed record exceeding 10Gbps, expanding trials to 18 districts ahead of commercial deployment and strengthening the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Hithawathi by FOUNDATION.LK celebrates 11 years of promoting cyber safety in Sri Lanka, providing emotional support and digital literacy for vulnerable users while empowering over 1.4 million citizens through education and awareness.
SLT-Mobitel served as Principal Sponsor of Techno 2025, Sri Lanka’s flagship engineering and technology exhibition, showcasing AI innovations and reaffirming its role in driving national digital transformation and inclusive growth.
Dialog Axiata has launched the Nubia Air 5G, Sri Lanka’s newest and most affordable 5G smartphone, combining design, performance, and accessibility. Featuring a slim 5.9 mm body, high-speed 5G chipset, HD display, and long battery life, the phone aims to make 5G connectivity mainstream. Available through Dialog Experience Centres and retail partners, the launch reaffirms Dialog’s role in leading Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has appointed Riyaaz Rasheed as its new CEO. A telecom veteran with 29 years of experience across Millicom, Etisalat, and Hutchison, Rasheed has also held senior leadership roles at Robi Axiata Bangladesh and Hayleys Group Sri Lanka. His appointment is expected to drive SLT’s growth and innovation as the company advances its digital transformation agenda.
Daraz Sri Lanka partnered with the Ministry of Industry to train Relationship Officers under the National RO Program, equipping them to guide SMEs in digital adoption and e-commerce. The initiative supports SME growth, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship across Sri Lanka.
Hutch Sri Lanka partnered with TRCSL to host regional regulators at the SATRC Working Group meeting, strengthening cross-border collaboration in telecom policy and reinforcing its leadership in advancing Sri Lanka’s and South Asia’s digital transformation.