There is a weakness in the initial agreement we made with Starlink, as it does not grant us access to its data systems in the event of a national security issue, unlike the arrangements we have with existing telecom providers in Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

He made these remarks while participating in a television programme last night.

He explained that the government was able to uncover several security threats—such as the Arugam Bay incident and the recent court shooting—because it has access to local telecommunications systems, under legal permissions granted to existing providers.

However, he pointed out that the government does not have access to Starlink’s data systems, as such provisions were not included in the initial agreement.

“This poses a direct threat to national security. There isn’t even a designated person to take responsibility, and we have no legal grounds to access the system,” he said.

He added that the government had raised this concern with Starlink, and in response, the company has agreed to provide a dashboard to access certain data.

“But we still don’t clearly understand the extent of access this dashboard will provide,” he said.

As a precaution, the government has allowed the release of equipment necessary to build the dashboard.

“Once it is operational, we will be able to assess how much access to data we actually have,” he concluded.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake departed for Vietnam a short while ago, commencing his official state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). 

At the invitation of the President of Vietnam, Luong Cuong, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is undertaking a state visit to Vietnam from May 4 to 6. 

This visit marks the celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam and is expected to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations.

During the visit, President Dissanayake will hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam. He is also scheduled to meet with senior dignitaries, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

President Dissanayake will also participate as the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations, scheduled to commence on May 6 in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will deliver the keynote address.

Several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit and discussions will be held with the Vietnamese business community to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, are accompanying President Dissanayake on this official visit.

Liquor stores islandwide will be closed on Tuesday, May 06 in view of the Local Government elections.

Excise Chief U.L. Udaya Kumara announced that retail liquor outlets will remain closed during the period between Monday, May 05 closing time to opening time on Wednesday, May 07.

However, this ruling is exempted for in-house guests of all Tourist Board approved hotels and boutique villas.