SLT-MOBITEL Accelerates Sri Lanka’s Digital Future

Saturday, 27 September 2025 06:40

SLT MOBITEL Accelerates Sri Lankas Digital Future

Following a robust financial recovery, SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, has transformed into the nation's strategic enabler, a thriving national asset driving Sri Lanka's digital future.

Supporting the government, SLT-MOBITEL aims to accelerate the country's digitalization efforts and power economic growth for all sectors.


The solid return to profitability in the first half of 2025, from a company considered for divestment, has positioned SLT-MOBITEL to deliver on the mandate of building digital infrastructure to define the country's technological landscape and economic prosperity.


Empowering Government Digitalization


Central to the transformation is SLT-MOBITEL’s pivotal role in digitalizing Sri Lanka’s public sector.


The Lanka Government Network (LGN) acts as the backbone for inter-agency connectivity, enabling seamless collaboration and supporting e-governance platforms across all levels.


Managed by SLT-MOBITEL under the direction of the Ministry of Digital Economy, LGN ensures stability, security, and scalability, creating a solid foundation for the nation’s evolving digital governance framework.


Complementing the LGN, the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC), fully managed by SLT-MOBITEL, provides a scalable, future-ready infrastructure for smart governance applications.


The LGC supports artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced digital services, positioning government agencies to deliver more responsive and efficient public services.


Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman, SLT Group, said, “SLT-MOBITEL has consistently invested in building and modernizing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure.


These substantial investments, covering fibre networks, 4G and 5G, and cloud platforms, are the backbone of the nation’s digital transformation.


We deeply appreciate the support and guidance of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), whose partnership has been instrumental in enabling these advancements.”


Dr. De Silva added,


“The dramatic financial turnaround in the first half of 2025 has laid the essential foundation for SLT-MOBITEL’s future.


We transformed a previous loss of LKR 323 million into a profit after tax of LKR 4.28 billion, with revenue rising to LKR 55.2 billion and EBITDA surging to LKR 21.7 billion.


The achievement, driven by operational excellence and disciplined management, now empowers us to accelerate national digital initiatives, invest in next-generation technologies, and deliver on the promise to power Sri Lanka’s digital future.


We are committed to transforming SLT-MOBITEL into a sustainably managed enterprise to uplift future generations, delivering world-class connectivity and innovation.”


Unleashing the Power of 5G


SLT-MOBITEL is set to launch Sri Lanka’s 5G network, following successful trials and ongoing procurement.


The strategic combination of spectrum bands will deliver optimal performance and record savings over five years.


The commercial 5G rollout seeks to transform industries with ultra-low latency and massive connectivity, enabling smart cities, autonomous systems, IoT manufacturing, and real-time applications, placing Sri Lanka at the forefront of global digital innovation.


Mobilizing the Business Environment


SLT-MOBITEL recognizes the digital economy thrives when businesses of all sizes have access to world-class connectivity and digital solutions.


The company provides personalized, scalable solutions tailored to serve the full scope of industry including tech startups, SMEs, government institutions and large enterprises.


Tech startups, as key drivers of the digital economy, gain SLT-MOBITEL support through affordable connectivity, cloud services, and digital tools to fuel growth.


SMEs, the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, benefit from digital transformation packages with cybersecurity and essential technologies to compete effectively.


SLT-MOBITEL empowers SMEs through tailored solutions such as SME Xcelerate, ICT soft bundles for MSMEs, and the StartSmart package for startups, addressing connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital needs.


At the enterprise level, SLT-MOBITEL delivers next-generation secure network solutions and cloud-native platforms, enabling businesses to scale, modernise applications, and drive digital transformation.


Government institutions and large enterprises also gain enterprise-grade infrastructure to boost efficiency, productivity, and digital transformation.


SLT-MOBITEL’s inclusive approach, supports the national digitalization programme, driving all sectors to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.


Driving National Digital Equity


SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in a series of impactful initiatives designed to ensure technology is accessible and usable by all Sri Lankans.


Under the School Fiberisation project, developed in line with the priorities of the Ministry of Education and led by the TRCSL, hundreds of schools have already been connected, providing students access to high-speed, stable, and content-filtered Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity.


The Gamata Sanniwedanaya initiative delivers rural connectivity and has been expanded annually, bringing digital opportunities to every corner of the island.


In addition, the National AI Expo & Conference 2025, Sri Lanka’s first-ever National AI Expo & Conference in 2025, with regional events planned for 2026, aims to democratize access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge.


The ongoing Wireless Network Expansion, focuses on underserved areas, bridging the digital divide with comprehensive national coverage.


The Digital Literacy Programmes empower communities with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, creating opportunities for all citizens regardless of background or location.


These initiatives collectively drive inclusive growth and national digital equity, guaranteeing no community is left behind as Sri Lanka advances into the digital era.


Dr. De Silva further emphasized,


“At SLT-MOBITEL, we believe technology must be accessible and usable by all.


Our mission is to make certain every Sri Lankan, regardless of location or background, can participate in and benefit from digital transformation.


Through the school fiberisation, rural connectivity, SME empowerment, and digital literacy programmes, we are building a truly inclusive digital future for the entire nation.”


Sustainability and Governance


SLT-MOBITEL is committed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, to guide sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility.


The company has established dedicated ESG committees and comprehensive policies to uphold accountability and progress in all sustainability dimensions.


Environmental initiatives focus on renewable energy adoption, solar power investments, and the strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality.


These efforts demonstrated the company's recognition that sustainable infrastructure development is essential for long-term national prosperity.


SLT-MOBITEL is strengthening the ESG commitment with a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.


The renewable energy strategy includes 200 rooftop solar stations of 6,000 kW, with 620 kW already added in 2024 and the remainder to be completed by 2026, thereby meeting 10% of energy needs from renewables.


Mobitel has also deployed solar at 400 sites, generating 2,300 kW and covering 3% of network demand, enhanced carbon measurement, and monitoring fleet emissions.


Reinforcing governance, a Board-approved Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy has been rolled out, highlighting a commitment to transparency and accountability.


As SLT-MOBITEL enters the next chapter, it remains fully geared to power Sri Lanka’s digital future, building a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable nation for all.


Photo captions left to right - Dr. Mothilal De Silva, Chairman, SLT-MOBITEL addressing the gathering and sharing insights at the recent media conference titled ‘SLT-MOBITEL is Powering Sri Lanka’s Digital Future’ and Imantha Wijekoon Chief Executive Officer, SLT-MOBITEL, addressing the attendees at a media conference hosted by SLT-MOBITEL on ‘Powering Sri Lanka’s Digital Future’.

Last modified on Saturday, 27 September 2025 06:50