Sri Lanka Takes a Major Step Forward in Digital Transformation with Official Awarding of 5G Spectrum

Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official awarding of 5G spectrum licenses at a ceremonial event organised by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), under the patronage of the Ministry of Digital Economy.

The rollout of 5G is a critical enabler of Sri Lanka’s digital economy vision. 5G technology, with its high speed, ultra-low latency, and enhanced reliability, will support transformative applications across multiple sectors such as industry, healthcare, education, logistics, smart cities, and public services, while creating new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Beyond enhanced connectivity, 5G serves as a foundational platform for digital economic growth, enabling advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, cloud computing, and data-driven services.

By enabling real-time communication, large-scale device connectivity, and high-capacity data transmission, 5G enhances productivity, improves service delivery, attracts digital investment, and strengthens national competitiveness. It also facilitates the development of future-ready industries, promotes digital inclusion, and positions Sri Lanka to participate more effectively in the global digital economy, supporting the country’s ambition to build a USD 15 billion digital economy by 2030.

Marking the commencement of licensed 5G deployment in Sri Lanka, Dialog Axiata PLC and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel formally received their spectrum licenses, affirming their role in advancing Sri Lanka’s next-generation mobile network infrastructure.

Under the spectrum assignment, frequencies were awarded across two key bands. In the 3500 MHz band, 100 MHz in the 3400–3500 MHz range was assigned to Dialog Axiata PLC, while 100 MHz in the 3500–3600 MHz range was assigned to Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel. In addition, spectrum in the 27 GHz band was awarded, with 200 MHz in the 27,200–27,400 MHz range assigned to Dialog Axiata PLC, supporting high-capacity 5G deployments.

The event was attended by Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne; Director General of TRCSL, Retired Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath; Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka; Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Chairman of the Auction Committee; Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Director and Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC; and Dr. Mothilal de Silva, Chairman and Director of Mobitel (Private) Limited, along with many other senior officials and key stakeholders from the telecommunications sector.

Source: Adaderana