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Now, Supreme Global Holdings castigated by NPP gets telecom infrastructure services licence

Published

6 months ago

2025/09/18

Supreme Global Holdings (SGH), which has been embroiled in controversy over the launch of SupremeSAT satellite, and castigated by the NPP politicians, has been granted Telecommunications Infrastructure Services Licence by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).

SGH TowerCo, the telecommunications and infrastructure subsidiary of Supreme Global Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing conglomerates, had obtained the licence, the company said in a statement. SGH TowerCo has been positioned at the forefront of the nation’s digital transformation journey, committed to providing uninterrupted and future-ready telecommunication services across the country, the statement added.

The text of the statement: “As one of the first companies to be awarded such a license, SGH TowerCo is empowered to design, build, and operate state-of-the-art infrastructure, from towers, poles, and fibre networks to in-building systems, small cells, and other critical components essential for next-generation communications.

SGH TowerCo’s mission is clear: to bridge connectivity gaps and support the nation’s transition into a smart economy. The company is dedicated to expanding reliable coverage from bustling urban centres to underserved rural communities, ensuring that every Sri Lankan has access to dependable and affordable communications.

The company claims to leverage cutting-edge technology and global expertise, working with the world’s leading industry specialists to deliver robust infrastructure capable of supporting 5G deployment and beyond. With mobile data usage projected to quadruple by 2028, SGH TowerCo is ready to provide the backbone for tomorrow’s digital society.

This development follows a landmark policy change as Sri Lanka amended its Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Act for the first time in 28 years. The amendment paved the way for third party companies to build and manage telecom towers, an essential step to accelerate infrastructure development and foster fair competition in the industry.

Historically, telecom companies faced financial constraints that limited new tower construction, slowing down the expansion of connectivity. The government, recognising the urgency, initiated reforms to encourage independent tower companies to fill this gap. Under the new framework, 276 new towers were planned, aiming to expand Sri Lanka’s digital economy from USD 2.3 billion in 2023 to a projected USD 15 billion by 2030.

In line with the government’s initiative to construct 100 new communication towers in areas with weak connectivity, TRCSL has committed to bearing 75% of the cost for each tower. This project is being driven under the visionary leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, with expert technical guidance from Dr. Hans Wijesooriya. Together, this collaborative framework ensures that Sri Lanka is well prepared to embrace global digitalization trends”.

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Heat Index at Caution Level at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts

Published

38 mins ago

2026/03/18

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 17 March 2026, valid for 18 March 2026.

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Anuradhapura districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED

Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.

Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.

Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

News

CIABOC questions Ex-President GR on house for CJ’s maid

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Mohan / Gotabaya

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday (17) recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the allocation of a house for a maid working at the residence of the then Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, PC.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Secretary to the Ministry Defence and Urban Development, allegedly authorised the allocation of the house on the recommendation of the CJ during President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term. The Rajapaksa government brought in Peiris as the Chief Justice after impeaching Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake in January 2013.

The allocation of the house was made by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), following the mandatory examination of the request, sources said, adding that during that time the government had launched several mega housing projects in Colombo and its suburbs to accommodate those living in shanties, etc.

CIABOC is expected to record a statement from ex-CJ Peiris who subsequently served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Post-Ditwah Indian recovery assistance to SL: health experts from here visited India

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

As part of the assistance extended by the Government of India towards rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, a four-member technical delegation of health experts from Sri Lanka visited India recently.

The Indian HC said: “The delegation studied the Indian models of Medical Kiosks/Health ATMs, Mobile Diagnostic Laboratories and the telemedicine platform ‘eSanjeevani’ to explore replicating these initiatives in Sri Lanka in order to strengthen the local healthcare delivery system.

During the visit, the delegation participated in a series of technical sessions organized by premier Indian institutions like National Health Authority, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Visits were arranged for the delegation to Combined Hospital at Loni, Ghaziabad, and Civil Hospital, Sector 10, Gurugram as part of exposure to India’s digital health ecosystem. Demonstrations were conducted on Mobile Health Kiosks / Health ATMs, including basic diagnostics and their role in strengthening primary healthcare delivery. The Sri Lankan experts were also provided an overview of India’s highly successful Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. A live teleconsultation through eSanjeevani was demonstrated, highlighting the integration of remote consultations with digital health records.

The initiative reflects the continued robust cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in strengthening healthcare delivery systems, particularly in vulnerable areas, and supporting recovery efforts among affected communities.”