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50 new phone signal towers to be established ; MNP from next June

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Workshop to Inform Members of Parliament on Government’s Upcoming Digital Economic Programme.

The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Digital Economic Affairs decided to hold a workshop on the 10th of March 2025 to brief all Members of Parliament about the upcoming programme related to the government’s digital economic activities.

This decision was made during a meeting held yesterday (20) in Parliament, chaired by the Minister of Digital Economy, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne also attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of accelerating the development of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, which is a key government priority and a nationwide transformation.

Officials from the Ministry of Digital Economy provided details on the future sectors of digital economic activities. They also informed the Committee that ICTA, the leading body in state digitalization, will be brought under the Digital Economy Authority, with arrangements being made to enhance service delivery.

Furthermore, as various state institutions have developed separate systems for collecting information and data, the members emphasized the need for these systems to be integrated and managed through a single institution in the future. In response, the President stated that such systems should be developed under state supervision. He also noted that instructions have been issued to ministry secretaries to refrain from creating new systems at this time. The President further highlighted the importance of tailoring these systems to meet the specific needs of each institution.

The MPs also brought to the attention of the officials the issues related to weak telephone signal coverage in certain areas of the island. In response, Ministry officials informed the Committee that plans are underway to construct 50 new signal towers in areas identified under the Village Communication Program. This initiative aims to reduce telephone signal disruptions to some extent.

The Committee also discussed the possibility of mobile phone users to regain the same mobile phone number they used when changing their mobile phone network operator (MNP service), and in response, the officials said that this facility will be implemented from next June.

During this discussion, views were expressed on the use of crypto currency and the President said that the final decision on whether to allow its use in Sri Lanka or not will be implemented based on the recommendations of the Governor of the Central Bank.

The discussion also covered measures being implemented to protect the personal data of citizens, strategies for handling emerging technologies, including AI, and the salaries of IT engineers.

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s fourth review

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

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Indian entrepreneur delegation meets President AKD (Pics)

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Indian entrepreneurs state that they are currently directing their attention towards new investment prospects in Sri Lanka, particularly in sectors like energy, infrastructure, the digital economy, tourism and agriculture, as well as on enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.  

A delegation of around 20 Indian entrepreneurs, comprising heads of several prominent Indian companies, is currently engaged in an active programme in Sri Lanka, coordinated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the aim of further developing existing investment opportunities and exploring new prospects. These comments were expressed during the delegation’s meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayake this afternoon (01) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The delegation is visiting Sri Lanka following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake during his recent official visit to India. The Indian delegation held discussions with several Sri Lankan Ministers and with officials from key government institutions, including the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

President Disanayake emphasized that the country has now established a more favourable environment for investors, owing to the current economic stability.

The President briefed the Indian business representatives on the constructive measures implemented by the government to create a supportive economic climate and conditions conducive to investment. He further noted that the government has strengthened the legal framework and institutional system necessary to attract and sustain large-scale investments. He assured that under the present administration efforts have been made to eliminate the losses and corruption previously associated with investments. 

The President also emphasised that special attention has been given to attracting regional investors and providing them with the necessary facilities. He pointed out that numerous new business opportunities have opened up between India and Sri Lanka across various sectors.

The Indian entrepreneurs stated that Sri Lanka’s strategic location is of great appeal to investors. They appreciated the President’s explanation regarding the current situation of the country, noting that it had inspired confidence and renewed hope in them.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with officials from the Indian High Commission, were present at the occasion. Also in attendance were former Chairman of CII and Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Limited, Sanjiv Puri, and heads of several other major Indian companies.

(President’s Media Division)

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