Business
Making mobile more affordable with abolition of interconnect fees

Key reforms that Sri Lanka’s Telco sector needs are lagging behind
by Sanath Nanayakkare
As the nation’s economy continues to experience a state of unprecedented turmoil, most Sri Lankans are tightening their wallets wherever they can. While it may be possible to cut down on extravagances, when it comes to the essentials Sri Lankans are faced with a stark lack of choice. Meanwhile, in an increasingly digital world, the definition of ‘essential’ has also expanded to include telecommunications.
While the island-wide expansion of telecom coverage has resulted in explosive growth in the consumption of mobile data, Sri Lanka’s lowest income segments still tend to rely less on mobile data and more on direct voice calls in order to stay connected.
However, speaking to The Island yesterday, a knowledgeable source in the Telco sector noted that structural issues in the sector – from the lagging implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to regressive fee structures such as the currently prevailing Interconnection Usage Charges (IUC) – place a disproportionate burden on Sri Lanka’s low income population.
IUC is the price charged by a particular network owner when they receive a call from outside of their network for the purpose of interconnecting a voice call to their network. Typically, telcos with the largest user bases earn the most from these IUCs. But it is always the user who gets charged with this fee. The source noted that these fees effectively function as a ‘proxy tax’ on the very segments that rely on it the most, while the benefits of this ‘tax’ are almost exclusively enjoyed by industry incumbents with the largest user bases.
Abolishment of such fees would bring Sri Lanka’s mobile industry into closer alignment with established global best practices by lowering standard call rates for all Sri Lankans for voice calls. After significant delays, IUCs were abolished in India in January 2021, in a move which has been widely credited with considerably easing the financial burden on consumers. Similar measures are also currently rolled out in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Israel.
Following the introduction and popularity of unlimited monthly plans for voice and social media for pre and postpaid customers by Airtel Lanka over the last quarter, the Sri Lankan market has shifted into mirroring their products with unlimited deals now appearing across all networks. However, even with such unlimited offers now available, abolishment of IUC will make unlimited call packages more affordable.
“Data has become the core business of all telco service providers. At the same time, voice calls are no longer the privilege they once were in previous decades. Given these historic trends, and especially in light of the current economic pain felt by all Sri Lankans, it is high time that IUCs were abolished, and initiatives like MNP be implemented in order to pass the maximum benefit possible to low-income groups who are the heaviest consumers for voice calls.” he said.
Such measures will even the telco playing field, resulting in increased competition between operators, and most importantly, lower prices for consumers. However, it appears that without pressure from both consumers and regulators, these reforms are unlikely to move forward, and therefore, will remain stagnant.
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
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