FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – SLT-Mobitel, the telecommunications provider in Sri Lanka, has announced an accelerated initiative to expand its fiber network, enhance data infrastructure, and incorporate artificial intelligence. This shift marks the company’s transition from a conventional voice service provider to a comprehensive digital technology firm.
This strategic direction was revealed during the SLT-Mobitel Media Conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, where the company shared significant business updates, its strategic vision, and insights on future growth aimed at creating a digitally empowered nation.
To meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet, SLT-Mobitel has installed over 70,000 kilometers of optical fiber throughout Sri Lanka. The company has revamped its fixed broadband services to provide unlimited data packages with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, catering to households, small businesses, and startups.
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A notable element of the network expansion is the government-supported initiative to digitize schools, targeting over 6,000 primary and secondary schools across the country. SLT-Mobitel has successfully connected most of these schools and aims to complete the remaining 1,726 by the year’s end, despite facing challenges related to weather and logistics.
“Our focus on broadband will significantly enhance digital connectivity across the nation. We are committed to ensuring that every home in Sri Lanka is connected,” stated Riyaaz Rasheed, the Chief Executive Officer of SLT.
Regarding international connectivity, Sri Lanka currently utilizes five submarine cable systems. The upcoming SEA-ME-WE 6 (SMW6) cable is set to become operational in early 2027, replacing outdated infrastructure and enhancing global routing capabilities. In addition to this external link, SLT-Mobitel is expanding its domestic data centers, cloud services, and cybersecurity efforts to better serve businesses and safeguard data traffic.
The company is also focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which contribute to over half of the country’s economic output, by offering digital management systems, SD-WAN, and security solutions. To improve customer service, SLT-Mobitel has extended its physical branch hours until 9:00 PM on weekdays at select locations.
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in SLT-Mobitel’s strategy. In preparation for the upcoming National AI Expo, themed “AI Amplified,” scheduled from September 28 to October 4, the company is providing AI training to its nearly 8,000 employees. Furthermore, it has established an AI Hub and introduced localized AI frameworks to assist local developers, students, and businesses.
“We are evolving from a telecommunications provider to a technology enterprise. Our goal is to build a digital Sri Lanka using local talent and infrastructure,” remarked Mothilal de Silva, Chairman of SLT-Mobitel.
The company is gearing up for a significant upgrade of its core transport network, which will support the future rollout of 5G technology. The deployment will be driven by demand, with base stations installed in response to actual user needs, while also pursuing collaborative infrastructure sharing with other telecom companies to enhance network efficiency.
SLT-Mobitel intends to further diversify its offerings into emerging digital sectors, including financial technology, healthcare technology, agricultural technology, and educational technology platforms.
