Officials of the Ministry of Digital Economy have announced plans to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to every person in Sri Lanka by 2029.
The remarks were made during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation held in Parliament on February 6, under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Janaka Senarathne. The meeting focused on the action plan related to the allocation of 2026 budget provisions for the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
During the session, Senior Advisor to the President Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya delivered a detailed presentation on the proposed programme to expand high-speed broadband access nationwide.
He stated that steps are being taken this year to install 100 new telecommunication towers. To fully meet national requirements, however, between 600 and 1,000 towers will be needed, with implementation planned in phases.
Dr. Wijayasuriya noted that although approximately 98% internet coverage currently exists across the country, it does not meet the standards required for high-speed broadband services. He explained that existing network capacity must be increased by around 25% to ensure access to high-speed broadband facilities for every child.
He further said that a commercial model would be developed for the expansion of telecommunication towers, with opportunities provided for private sector participation through a bidding process.
The Committee also highlighted the need to improve digital literacy outside Colombo, proposing that awareness and training programmes be conducted through District Secretariat offices.
In addition, discussions were held on the allocation of 2026 budget provisions for the Ministry of Science and Technology, and several annual and performance reports of institutions were approved.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe and Members of Parliament Chandima Hettiarachchi, Lasith Bhashana Gamage, Chathura Galappaththi, Aboobucker Athambawa and Ruwan Wijeweera.
