BIZ

Dialog to shut down 3G data network

Published

2 years ago

December 24, 2022

editor

Leading connectivity provider – Dialog Axiata PLC has announced that they will shut down their 3G data network in 2023 to free up spectrum and increase the capacity of its 4G Broadband network.

“This decision comes as part of Dialog Axiata’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible mobile experience for its customers and is part of its continued efforts to introduce best-in-class, next-gen technologies to Sri Lankan consumers.” a company statement notes.

The statement further notes :
“Usage of the 3G Network account for less than 1% of Dialog’s data traffic and re-farming/allocation the 3G spectrum to support 4G Broadband will provide a much higher bandwidth and thereby a better experience to Dialog 4G Mobile Broadband customers. This announcement follows the Company’s decision in June 2022, to suspended issuance of new 3G connections as part of the 3G network shutdown initiative.”

“Dialog requests its 3G network users to switch to the 4G network as well as enable 4G data services on existing 4G devices to access Mobile Broadband services. To support the current 3G network users with the transition to 4G, Dialog offers a wide range of best-in-value 4G Smartphones, Dialog Lesi Pay instalment plans and free-of-charge 4G SIM upgrades which can be availed through its service network. Dialog will continue to maintain its 2G GSM network that would support the growing demand for voice services in addition to Voice over LTE offered through the 4G Network.”

“We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused due to the shutdown of our 3G network, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we refarm 3G spectrum to further improve our 4G mobile broadband network.”

However, customer complaints have been rampant on the existing services of Dialog Axiata.

BIZ

Lanka Sathosa slashes prices of several essential goods

Published

4 hours ago

January 22, 2025

editor

Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of several essential goods, effective from today (Jan. 22).

As per the instructions of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, the following price reductions are now in effect at all Lanka Sathosa outlets islandwide:

White sugar: Reduced by Rs. 2 (New price Rs. 240 per kg.)
Brown sugar: Reduced by Rs. 40 (New price Rs. 300 per kg.)
Imported potatoes: Reduced by Rs. 30 (New price Rs. 180 per kg.)
Red peas: Reduced by Rs. 30 (New price Rs. 765 per kg.)
Sprats: Reduced by Rs. 20 (New price Rs. 940 per kg.)
Dried chillies: Reduced by Rs. 15 (New price Rs. 830 per kg.)
Basmati rice: Reduced by Rs. 10 (New price Rs. 645 per kg.)
Imported big onions: Reduced by Rs. 10 (New price Rs. 230 per kg.)
Lentils: Reduced by Rs. 2 (New price Rs. 288 per kg.)
Local cashew nuts: Reduced by Rs. 100 (New price Rs. 995 per kg.)

BIZ

Ceylon Chamber seeks approval to import 200mn. coconuts

Published

17 hours ago

January 22, 2025

editor

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries has urged the government for permission to import 200 million coconuts with the next few months.

President of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries Jayantha Samarakoon said that the major reason for the current coconut shortage is the spike in fertilizer prices.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the National Chamber of Commerce Auditorium yesterday (21), he mentioned that the coconut imports are essential at this time to counter a severe shortage that threatens both domestic supply and export revenue.

Samarakoon attributed the coconut shortfall to skyrocketing fertilizer prices, which have discouraged growers from adequately nourishing coconut crops. He warned that if coconut stocks needed for the coconut-based export industry are not imported immediately, Sri Lanka could lose approximately USD 1 billion in revenue.

He further highlighted that the country’s monthly coconut demand stands at 250 million nuts, of which 150 million are consumed domestically while 100 million are utilized by the industrial sector. However, production has failed to keep pace.

Sri Lanka’s annual coconut yield, which previously averaged 3 billion nuts, dropped to 2.68 billion nuts last year. The Coconut Research Institute has forecast a further decline this year, with production estimated to fall to between 2.4 and 2.6 billion nuts. The institute also predicts a shortfall of 200 million coconuts between January and April 2025, exacerbating the crisis.

In response, the Chamber has proposed importing alternative coconut products such as coconut milk, coconut kernel, dried coconut kernel, or peeled coconuts to bridge the deficit.

Additionally, Samarakoon noted that a steep increase in fertilizer costs—from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 12,000 per 50 kg bag—has resulted in reducing the growers using fertilizer to less than 10%, further worsening the production slump.

The Chamber has requested that the government provide fertilizer at a subsidized price of Rs. 4,000 per bag and expressed optimism that the upcoming budget will address this issue.

The Chamber also urged the government to introduce subsidies for water supply and soil conservation, which are critical to sustaining coconut cultivation.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

BIZ

CBSL warns of 21 companies conducting pyramid schemes

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

editor

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has conducted investigations and determined 21 companies as those that have engaged in pyramid schemes prohibited under Section 83 (C) of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988 as amended.

The companies are as follows :

press_20250120_notice_to_general_public_on_prohibited_pyramid_schemes_e Download