By: Staff Writer
June 03, Colombo (LNW):Sri Lanka is poised to introduce Starlink satellite internet services, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s digital transformation agenda. The Ministry of Digital Economy has confirmed that all government approvals and regulatory clearances are now in place, and the service will be operationalized immediately upon receipt of final technical dashboard data from Starlink.
This major development was announced following a high-level bilateral meeting in Singapore between Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, and Ambassador Steve Lang, the U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy. The meeting, organized by the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore, was held on the sidelines o the 2025 Tech Summit Asia.
Minister Weeraratne stated that there are no further bureaucratic hurdles left for the launch of Starlink, and once the anticipated operational dashboard data is provided, the service can begin without delay. “All procedural requirements have been fulfilled, and we are ready to activate Starlink in Sri Lanka,” he confirmed.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has already granted Starlink a Telecommunications Service Provider Licence, allowing the company to offer satellite-based broadband services across the country. Starlink’s presence is expected to be particularly transformative for remote and underserved areas, where traditional connectivity infrastructure has been lacking or inefficient.
The Sri Lankan delegation and U.S. representatives also explored broader avenues for digital collaboration. Key topics included partnerships with global tech giants like Google and Meta, the establishment of AI-driven data centers, and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, including advancements in the Cybersecurity Bill and revisions to both the Online Safety Bill and the Data Protection Act.
Ambassador Lang underlined the critical importance of robust digital infrastructure and regulatory systems, labeling these reforms as both “urgent and transformative” for Sri Lanka’s future. He reiterated Washington’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s digital advancement through strategic collaborations and policy guidance.
To ensure equitable access to Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet, the government is planning targeted relief packages for key sectors such as education and fisheries, which are often marginalized in terms of digital access. Furthermore, the government has assured that stringent regulatory oversight will be maintained to ensure Starlink’s compliance with data protection laws and service obligations.
As Sri Lanka moves toward becoming a digitally inclusive economy, Starlink’s arrival is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, fostering innovation, and enabling nationwide digital accessibility.
