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Sri Lanka approves bill paving the way for Starlink internet service

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In a step closer to the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Sri Lanka, the Committee on Public Finance has approved Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill subjected to amendments to ensure consumers are ensured the benefits from advanced telecommunication technology.

The current law is amended in this manner for the first time in 28 years, providing for the regulation of the industry in keeping with advanced technology.

State Minister Kanaka Herath said this bill, if enacted, would provide for regulation of satellite based internet services in the country among others.

A statement from the Parliamentary Media Unit said approval was given when the Committee met recently under the Chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva with the presence of MPs from both sides, Officials representing Attorney General’s Department, officials of Technology, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and other institutions (TRC).

The Speaker recently announced that the Supreme Court has made recommendations regarding the Bill, suggesting that certain sections need to be amended.

Accordingly, the officials who were present stated that amendments recommended by Supreme Courts will be accommodated. They have stressed that the legislation has to be amended to be in line with the technological trends in the globe.

The officials also stated that this Bill was prepared after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecommunication sector in accordance with the accepted standards of the world. Thus, in a more competitive market, there is scope for a regulation that is fair to the consumer.

It was also disclosed that the legislation will provide provisions to introduce a mechanism to provide telecommunication frequencies under a competitive system. Accordingly, the relevant regulations should be compiled by the Parliament and thus the opportunity to introduce the new technology to the telecommunications sector of the country as well as it will be possible to properly regulate the institutions that are involved in the business, the officials pointed out.

It was also disclosed that in addition to the existing telecommunication system licences and frequency licences, 3 other types of licences will be introduced. Accordingly, it will provide provisions to issue licences to companies that provide infrastructure, in addition to the companies that provide telecommunication services. The officials also stated that the powers of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission will be strengthened through these amendments.

Furthermore, the officials also pointed out that through these amendments, there is an opportunity to give the customer the advantage of reducing tariffs in the market competition. It was also discussed that provisions that have been provided in the legislature to ensure security of undersea telecommunication cables.

The Chair of the Committee emphasised that given the world is changing rapidly with the advancement of telecommunication-related technology, Sri Lanka must ensure its legislation to leverage and benefit from such technology. Furthermore, the Chair of the Committee stated that these amendments will be a more positive step forward to introduce the new technology in the telecommunication sector.

Moreover, de Silva, stated that this Bill is being considered by the Committee on Public Finance to investigate matters related to public finances, market competition and transparency and consumer fairness.

State Ministers Anupa Pasqual, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Members of Parliament Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Harshana Rajakaruna, Premnath C. Dolawatte, Sahan Pradeep Withana, Madhura Withanage were present at the meeting. Officials including, Additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General’s Department, Sumith Dharmawardene, Director General TRC Madhusanka Dissanayake were also present.

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

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Pillayan had prior knowledge of Easter attacks – Minister (Video)

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Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says that investigations have revealed that Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias “Pilleyan”, had prior knowledge of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Making a special statement in Parliament today (July 09), the minister pointed out that Pilleyan was in custody at the Batticaloa Prison when the attacks took place, and that strong evidence exists that he had prior knowledge of the attacks.

(Video : Voicetube)

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Student held under PTA for nine months to be produced in court

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The case of a 21-year-old student detained for nearly nine months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be taken up in court today (July 9).

Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail, an aviation student from Mawanella, was arrested in October 2024 after posting a video on Instagram showing the Israeli flag being trampled, BBC Sinhala reported.

He was initially taken into custody by Dehiwala Police near the Israeli consular office for failing to carry his national identity card and later released when the document was produced in court.

However, Suhail was re-arrested and remanded under the PTA in connection with the Instagram video, despite the court previously releasing him without bail. His lawyer alleges that no formal charges have been filed and no evidence has been presented by police to support the detention.

The prolonged incarceration has drawn criticism from rights groups, legal experts, and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, which has been formally notified. Meanwhile, Suhail’s family has lodged a complaint, calling for his immediate release.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Injured Wanindu ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

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Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh after suffering a hamstring injury to his right leg.

The injury occurred while he was batting during the third and final ODI of the recently concluded series.

Following a medical evaluation, Hasaranga will return to Colombo to undergo rehabilitation at Sri Lanka Cricket’s High Performance Centre.

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that no replacement will be added to the T20I squad in his absence.

(dailynews.lk)

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

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