Business

SLT-MOBITEL awarded ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’ Award

Published

4 years ago

2022/04/20

Indika Asurappulige, General Manager, Network Planning at Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. receiving the ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication Award’ from Vasanth Jeyapaul, Chief Executive Officer, CAMSPay, accompanied by Buddhika Maldeniya, Manager, Network Strategy, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. and Lasitha Rideewita, Senior Manager, Radio Network Planning, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd.

Reaffirming its leadership in Telecommunication and Technology, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was awarded the prestigious international award for the ‘Best Innovation in Telecommunication’, at the World Innovation Congress held in Mumbai, India on 24th March 2022.

The recognition is a testament to SLT-MOBITEL’s deployment of the innovative Sub-1GHz band LTE network solution, designed to further expand rural broadband penetration in Sri Lanka. The Sub-1GHz band LTE technology also focused on improving telecommunication infrastructure and support services specially to assist customers in rural areas during Covid-19 lockdown periods.

Commenting on the recognition, Lalith Seneviratne, Group Chief Executive Officer, SLT-MOBITEL said, “it gives us immense pride and joy to witness our innovative work being recognized on an international level. World Innovation Congress is a world-renowned body for recognizing innovative businesses across the world, and we take pride as the National ICT Solutions Provider to receive this prestigious award. Whilst the recognition has brought glory to Sri Lanka, it has also enabled us to save Forex outflows and regain the national spectrum resources in the 900 Band; otherwise wasted due to cross border interference. This innovative solution could only be realised because of the support extended by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), in making Sri Lanka empowered with 4G LTE connectivity island wide. On behalf of SLT-MOBITEL, we are thankful to TRCSL for the continuous support extended throughout in making Sri Lanka a technologically advance nation.”

SLT-MOBITEL Mobile’s innovative Sub-1GHz 850MHz LTE network also provided unprecedented support during Covid-19 travel restrictions when broadband had become a necessity for everyone. Due to the timely deployment of the LTE network, the public were able to work from home, conduct online education, engage in telemedicine, and continue business and transactions.

Commenting on the achievement, Chandika Vitharena, CEO, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd. said, “Winning the Best Innovation in Telecommunication at the World Innovation Congress reaffirms the company’s continuous innovation drive and technology leadership in the intensely competitive market of Sri Lanka. The award reflects our teams’ hard work and untiring dedication for innovative connectivity solutions. As the only local mobile service provider, we are happy to see that our initiatives are supporting the nation to move forward in the technology space and are being recognized both nationally and internationally.”

During this challenging period, with the innovative deployment of wider broadband coverage LTE network, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile provided free access for online educational platforms and National University based zoom platforms, offering affordable extra GB volume packages to support uninterrupted education during the time.

Furthermore, via eChannelling, a subsidiary company, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile offered remote doctor consultations (telemedicine services), medical and vaccination appointments, and ensured online medicine deliveries to support health services.

SLT-MOBITEL Mobile also provided high priority services to Work-From-Home applications such as Zoom, MS TEAMS, and Google Meet to offer customers the best broadband experience. SLT-MOBITEL Mobile was also recognized by Ookla®, the global leader in fixed and mobile broadband network testing applications, data and analysis as the ‘Fastest Mobile Network in Sri Lanka’ consecutively in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Additionally, driving digital inclusivity and boosting rural connectivity, SLT-MOBITEL continues to support national level initiatives such as the ‘Gamata Sanniwedanaya’ programme collaborating with the TRCSL which aims to provide 100% 4G LTE connectivity to the nation. With 5G deployment plans taking place, SLT-MOBITEL continues to invest in improving its 5G ready network infrastructure and has invested over USD 800Mn to bolster broadband services in Sri Lanka.

All News Advertisement

Business

SriLankan Airlines Resumes Flights to Riyadh and Dubai

Published

9 hours ago

2026/03/9

Thilina Walpola

09 March 2026; Colombo – SriLankan Airlines would like to inform passengers that it is resuming daily services to Riyadh tonight and Dubai tomorrow, while continuing to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its passengers and crew.

The following flights are scheduled to operate:

For more information please contact: 1979 (within Sri Lanka); +94 11 777 1979 (international); WhatsApp +94 74 444 1979 (chat only); your travel agent; visit www.srilankan.com; or follow us on social media.

Business

Oil prices jump above $100 for first time in four years

Published

15 hours ago

2026/03/9

Priyan

Oil facilities in Tehran were hit by airstrikes at the weekend

Global oil prices have jumped above $100 (£75.11) a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran has fuelled fears of prolonged disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran on Sunday named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader, signalling that a week into the conflict hardliners remain in charge of the country.

The US and Israel launched fresh waves of airstrikes across Iran over the weekend, hitting multiple targets including oil depots.

Major disruption to energy supplies from the region threatens to push up prices for consumers and businesses around the world.

Early on Monday in Asia, Brent crude was around 15.5% higher at $107.16, while Nymex light sweet was up by more than 17% at $106.77.

Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region fell sharply in early trading on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 index down by more than 5% and the ASX 200 in Australia more than 3.5% lower.

Many in the markets predicted that oil would hit the $100 a barrel mark this week.

In the event it took about a minute to jump 10%, and then another 15 minutes to rise a further 10% in early Asian trading.

Last week the markets had been relatively relaxed about the seeming nightmare scenario for millions of barrels of crude and liquefied natural gas trapped in the Gulf, unable or unwilling to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

But the escalations over the weekend, alongside scenes of destruction of energy infrastructure both in Iran and across the Gulf, saw the markets take rapid fright.

The question now is where does this go? Some analysts argue that if the shutdown in the strait lasts until the end of March, we could see record oil prices above $150 a barrel.

The existing rise is likely to further increase petrol prices, and those of important derivative products such as jet fuel and vital precursors for fertilisers.

The physical supplies from the Gulf are mainly consumed in Asia.

Already however there are signs that Asian consumers are bidding up prices for US gas, with some tankers originally heading for Europe turning around in the mid-Atlantic.

US President Donald Trump responded to the jump in prices by saying that short term rises were a “small price to pay” for removing Iran’s nuclear threat.

His energy secretary told US broadcasters on Sunday that Israel, not the US, was targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, amid some concern about rising domestic pump prices caused by the war.

(BBC)

Business

CMTA warns buyers of long-term costs hidden in reconditioned vehicle imports

Published

16 hours ago

2026/03/9

Thilina Walpola

The Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA) has issued a stark cautionary note to prospective vehicle buyers, warning that the initial price advantage of reconditioned imports often masks significant long-term financial risks.

By highlighting a “structural imbalance” in the current duty valuation system – which allows near-identical vehicles to be imported under a 15% automatic depreciation bracket – the CMTA argues that the lack of manufacturer-backed warranties and tropicalised specifications in the grey market could lead to a “reconditioned trap” for unsuspecting consumers. For the savvy buyer, the association suggests that the true cost of ownership is increasingly tilting the scales in favour of brand-new vehicles from authorised agents.

If two identical 2026 models are sitting on different lots, and one is significantly cheaper because it was technically “registered and de-registered” abroad, the frugal buyer’s instinct is to take the discount. But the CMTA argues that this 15% depreciation benefit – intended for genuine used cars – is being leveraged as a loophole for zero-mileage vehicles.

For the savvy buyer, this raises a fundamental question of transparency. If the entry price of a vehicle is built on a “procedural” technicality rather than actual wear and tear, where else is the transparency lacking? Does the lower price reflect a genuine saving passed to the consumer, or does it mask a lack of manufacturer-backed after-sales support?

When a buyer chooses an authorised agent, they are essentially purchasing an insurance policy against the unknown. With a five-year manufacturer warranty, the financial burden of a faulty transmission or a software glitch stays with the global giant that built the car, not the local owner. In an era where vehicles are increasingly “computers on wheels,” the technical specialised tools and genuine parts held by authorised agents are no longer a luxury – they are a necessity for longevity.

The CMTA’s perspective also invites the buyer to look at the “Big Picture.” Every time a vehicle is imported under an under-declared value or an artificial depreciation bracket, it isn’t just a loss for the Treasury; it is a blow to the country’s foreign exchange discipline.

“A savvy buyer today is more informed than ever. They realize that a “cheap” import with no service history and no tropicalised specifications may eventually become a “minus” on the balance sheet. Frequent repairs and lower resale value can quickly evaporate the initial few lakhs saved at the point of purchase. Ultimately, the choice between brand new and used is a choice between certainty and speculation,” the Association says.

The CMTA is advocating for a level playing field where duty is based on true transaction value. Until that day comes, the burden of due diligence rests on the consumer. To be a “savvy buyer” in 2026 means looking past the showroom shine and asking: Who stands behind this car if something goes wrong tomorrow?

In conclusion, CMTA says,” For those seeking long-term peace of mind, the “brand new” path – supported by a transparent duty structure and a solid warranty – remains the gold standard for steering Sri Lanka’s complex automotive landscape.”

Before signing the papers on a reconditioned vehicle, the CMTA suggests buyers evaluate the four “minus” factors against a “brand new” purchase:

By Sanath Nanayakkare