Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), recently took part in the prestigious Regulators Roundtable held at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS Forum 2026) in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Palexpo complex.
During a significant session focused on “Operationalizing Governance Essentials for Digital Markets,” he presented insights into the innovative regulatory reforms being implemented by TRCSL. Herath highlighted how these initiatives align with the principles of Sri Lanka’s ambitious National Digital Economy Strategy 2030, which aims to create a digital economy that is trusted, inclusive, and competitive on a global scale.
The Director General pointed out that fostering a stable and investment-friendly environment is a top priority. He mentioned that the introduction of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Auction Regulations has greatly improved transparency and boosted investor confidence in spectrum allocation. Additionally, the Telecommunications Infrastructure Sharing Regulations have reduced unnecessary capital expenditures, expedited connectivity in rural and underserved regions, and enhanced cost efficiency. With respect to consumer protection, the establishment of comprehensive Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Standard Rules has strengthened accountability among operators and improved user experiences.
In terms of sector growth and building digital trust, he explained that the revamping of the licensing framework through the Provider License Rules, which now includes distinct categories for telecommunications services, infrastructure, and cable landing stations, has opened the door for new investment opportunities and encouraged wider market involvement.
Moreover, improved SIM registration processes have been put in place to combat digital fraud, helping to protect emerging digital identities and financial ecosystems. In closing, the Director General emphasized that genuine digital transformation should be rooted in institutional frameworks rather than driven solely by technology. He illustrated how Sri Lanka has effectively implemented the global GSR-26 Governance Essentials into actionable, data-driven regulatory measures.
The international roundtable convened a notable array of participants, including sector ministers, heads of regulatory bodies, international technology policymakers, and global experts in digital governance from diverse regions.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
