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Dialog enables 5G for Apple iPhone for first time in Sri Lanka

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Dialog enables 5G for Apple iPhone for first time in Sri Lanka

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Dialog Axiata PLC, the first telecommunications service provider in the South Asian region to demonstrate 5G capabilities in 2018, has once again achieved a 5G milestone in the country.

It is becoming the first to extend 5G connectivity to Apple iPhone users through its 5G Trial Network, company officials said.

Users with Apple iPhone models 12 and above and the latest version of iOS (version 17) can now experience the power of 5G and the lightning-fast download and upload speeds of up to 1Gbps on Dialog.

Dialog holds  Sri Lanka’s largest 5G trial network with over 70 locations island-wide.

This service is available in Colombo and select cities nationwide, with locations listed on – www.dialog.lk/5g.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, Dialog is offering monthly 5GB free data for its Apple iPhone customers to explore the capabilities of 5G on Dialog’s 5G Trial Network.

This announcement follows a range of 5G milestones and firsts in South Asia and Sri Lanka, including the deployment of the region’s first 5G trial network, the first 5G Standalone (5G SA) network trial, and the first standards-based 5G fixed-wireless pilot transmission in December 2018.

Dialog remains committed to pioneering technological advancements in the nation and the region in line with its brand promise of delivering ‘The Future. Today.’

Sri Lankan telecommunications service provider Dialog Axiata has laid claim to being the first company in South Asia to successfully trial standalone 5G (5G SA) networks.

The island’s largest mobile network operator said that with this successful 5G SA, Sri Lanka’s connectivity provider further advanced the nation’s 5G journey and would enable more advanced use cases that required 5G SA support.

The operator highlighted in a statement how 5G SA can bring more advanced features in the network standards such as autonomous driving and real-time immersive services, claiming it will bring forth new opportunities for enterprises in the country and enable the fourth industrial revolution.

In Sri Lanka, 5G is known for bringing upgraded mobile broadband to the consumer market, but it also enables technologies such as ultra-reliable low latency Services and massive machine type communication.

Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata said: “The successful implementation of the 5G Standalone network marks a key milestone in the advancement of connectivity infrastructure, not just in the country, but also in the South Asian region. 

Port City re-brands as Colombo Financial City at UAE road show

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Port City re-brands as Colombo Financial City at UAE road show

By: Staff Writer

Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to launch a financial centre at the Colombo port city while branding this Galle Face waterfront reclamation city as Colombo Financial City.

This initiative has been taken in accordance with the port city’s original plan devised during the previous good governance regime by the then minister of Megapolis Patali Champika Ranawaka.

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) has agreed to invest in the financial centre project following the model of Shanghai Commercial Center, the Skyscraper Center  at that time.

Investment promotion state minister Dilum Amunugama recently stated that the launching of  Colombo Financial City replacing the existing name will take place at the opening ceremony of  a Roadshow in the UAE on the 26th of this month.

The Sri Lanka road show in UAE will be showcasing investment opportunities and incentives for global investors.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo district MP Dr. Harsha de Silva speaking in Parliament yesterday said the attempt to establish a financial centre in an already bankrupt country is a mere farce.

MP de Silva opposed the Government’s plan to rename the Colombo Port City, as the Colombo Financial City.

He expressed the view that establishing a prosperous finance centre between the established financial hubs of Singapore and Dubai would be a challenging endeavour.

He urged all parties involved to re-examine any proposal to announce a new Colombo Financial City in the coming days.

He expressed the opinion that India, too, failed to establish a financial city, suggesting that creating a Knowledge Centre at the Port City would be a more suitable alternative to a Financial Centre.

At the Sri Lanka road show Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron will address an exclusive, closed-door forum on the strengthening ties between the UAE, Indo-Pacific region and the role of Sri Lanka in this new trend gaining increased momentum.

The discussion will showcase the UAE’s role as an international player that can concurrently engage with multiple partners, including in the Indo-Pacific region.

Expected to represent more than 50 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2040, Asia is increasingly becoming the new economic global power centre of the 21st century.

In this context, the UAE aims to strengthen its connections with the Indo-Pacific region and Sri Lanka will play a crucial role in this partnership with its trade and investment offerings particularly through the up-coming multi-billion dollar Port City Colombo development project. As a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), it also provides a range of incentives and benefits for businesses, making it an ideal destination for international businesses, hotel owners and operators to establish their presence in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 21/09

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Sri Lanka Original Narrative Summary: 21/09

  1. “Cut-off” interest rates on 3-month & 6-month T-Bills rise sharply by 25 & 115 bps respectively: rates for 12-month Bills dip marginally on a low subscription: analysts expect further increases in rates on the back of huge volumes of issues expected in the next 12 months, the CB’s inability to subscribe for T-Bills under the new CBSL Act, & the flight of foreign investment in T-Bills due the ratings downgrade of Local Debt to “Restricted Default” status.
  2. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera says his Ministry has warned of a severe drought situation in the 2024 Yala season & that farmers should therefore be prepared for such: requests farming community to commence the cultivation of paddy by using rainwater.
  3. President Ranil Wickremesinghe says SL’s Anti-Corruption Commission is currently recruiting staff with formal training: asserts another year will be required to realize the outcomes of the anti-corruption law, making the timeline for achievement approximately 2 years.
  4. Vavuniya Magistrate’s Court rejects request by Police for a restraining order preventing the 36-year death commemoration of LTTE cadre ‘Thileepan’, who “fasted unto death”.
  5. Federation of Information Technology Chairman Indika de Soysa projects a contribution of USD 15.0 bn to SL’s GDP through the digital economy, by 2030: the digital economy currently contributes USD 3.7 bn to GDP.
  6. President Ranil Wickremesinghe meets several leaders and VIPs on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings and holds “cordial & fruitful discussions”: among them, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, WB President Ajay Banga, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, META President Sir Nick Clegg, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva, Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, and Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
  7. State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama says the Govt is planning on re-branding “Colombo Port City” as “Colombo Financial City”: launch of the new name to be next week with former UK PM David Cameron leading the effort: the Port City spans 269 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea & legislation for the Port City Commission was passed on 20th May 2021.
  8. Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry deposits the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.at the UN premises: accordingly, Sri Lanka is now the 69th state party to the Treaty.
  9. Young 15-member Cricket squad announced for the 2023 Asian Games: Sahan Arachchige set to lead: among those with international caps, are Ashen Bandara, Nuwanidu Fernando & Nuwan Thushara: majority of the others have appeared in the LPL.
  10. Cricket sources confirm that there will be no change to the captaincy before the World Cup and Dasun Shanaka will captain the Sri Lanka squad in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Chicken prices: Final decision today (21)

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Chicken prices: Final decision today (21)

Colombo (LNW): A special discussion will be held between Trade Minister Nalin Fernando and poultry producers today (21), to make a final decision on the price of chicken.

Currently, chicken is sold for Rs. 1,250 per kilo, and the price must drop by at least Rs. 200, the Minister noted.

He added that Sri Lanka will consider importing chicken if poultry producers do not agree to the price drop.

The monthly requirement of chicken in Sri Lanka stands at about 2.2 million kilograms.

Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill: A Regressive Overreach Stifling Investment and Freedom of Speech

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Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill: A Regressive Overreach Stifling Investment and Freedom of Speech

In a fiery speech delivered in Parliament yesterday (20), MP Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, passionately criticized the Sri Lankan government’s latest move—the introduction of the online safety bill. MP Harsha minced no words, calling it an “archaic and draconian piece of legislation” that violates fundamental principles and represents a significant overreach by the government. His critique underscores the potential damage this bill could inflict on both investment prospects and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

At the heart of MP Harsha’s criticism lies in the bill’s creation of a commission appointed by the President, which would be tasked with determining the veracity of online content. He rightfully questions the credibility of such a commission when the government itself has been accused of misleading the public, including misrepresenting its financial reserves to the tune of billions when they were merely in the millions. How can a government notorious for disseminating misinformation claim the moral high ground in discerning truth from falsehood?

MP Harsha de Silva’s critique is grounded in the potential ramifications of this bill. He points out that global tech giants such as Google, TikTok, Meta (formerly Facebook), and others are unlikely to comply with laws that impose restrictions on their operations and force them to police content based on arbitrary judgments. This begs the question: can a financially troubled country with an authoritarian regime realistically dictate terms to some of the world’s largest tech companies?

The online safety bill, according to MP Harsha, “imposes unfair obligations on platforms to police content over and above what is necessary” and lacks foresight in considering future technological advancements, such as AI and its role in verifying authenticity. He raises a valid concern that these restrictive laws could drive these major tech players away from Sri Lanka, thereby contradicting the government’s apparent desire to attract foreign investment.

As MP Harsha articulates, “On one hand, you want them to come and invest, and on the other, you’re bringing legislation to curb their operations. This is a major contradiction.” It is a contradiction that could have far-reaching implications for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and technological progress.

MP Harsha’s feedback on the speech highlights the fundamental importance of the right to express views freely—a cornerstone of any democratic society. The government committee’s power to determine the veracity of content and force platforms to remove it is an affront to this fundamental freedom. It is essential to recognize that a government-appointed committee cannot effectively discern truth from falsehood in an era where information flows across borders at the speed of light.

Furthermore, MP Harsha’s astute observation about the regressive nature of the bill rings true. In an age where technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of communication and content moderation will heavily rely on artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms. Imposing archaic legislation that doesn’t account for these advancements is not only backward-looking but also hinders Sri Lanka’s potential to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

It’s worth noting that tech companies already have their own community guidelines in place and are vigilant in ensuring their platforms are free from hate speech, harassment, and other forms of harmful content. Therefore, the government’s heavy-handed intervention seems unnecessary and counterproductive.

In conclusion, MP Harsha de Silva’s scathing critique of the online safety bill highlights the significant concerns surrounding this proposed legislation. It not only threatens to deter foreign investment but also jeopardizes freedom of expression and the country’s ability to embrace future technological advancements. Sri Lanka must carefully reconsider the consequences of such an overreaching law and seek a balanced approach that respects both the rights of its citizens and the needs of its digital economy. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is vital to navigate these challenges with wisdom and foresight, rather than resorting to draconian measures that stifle progress and liberty.

SL endorses Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty

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SL endorses Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty

Colombo (LNW): Becoming the 69th state to join hands with the international community against nuclear weaponry, Sri Lanka has officially endorsed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

The island nation was not just a passive observer but actively contributed to discussions leading up to the United Nations-led Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty, which was ratified on July 7, 2017, in New York.

Notably, Sri Lanka was one of the 122 nations that voiced their support through a positive vote.

In a significant ceremony linked to the 78th World Assembly session in New York, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry formally submitted the necessary paperwork for this crucial agreement.

This Treaty aims to ban any activities associated with the creation, testing, storage, or possession of nuclear arms or related explosive devices.

No Police personnel charged over Easter Massacre yet: Minister

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No Police personnel charged over Easter Massacre yet: Minister

Colombo (LNW): As per the reports handed over by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe the 2019 Easter Sunday genocide, no Police personnel have been charged in connection with the bombings thus far, asserted Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, responding to the Opposition in Parliament yesterday (20).

Police personnel have only been under observation, and therefore, it would be wrong to name certain individuals, as if they are already charged, until they are rightfully prosecuted, Alles said in response to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Hector Appuhamy.

The Minister made these observations as a response to the allegation that several state officials are connected with the 2019 bombing which took away more than 260 lives.

He added that the relevant names of the personnel were handed over to the Attorney General’s Department for further proceedings, but they cannot be cited as suspects yet.

IMF Chief Georgieva meets with SL President Wickremesinghe

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IMF Chief Georgieva meets with SL President Wickremesinghe

Colombo (LNW): Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has held a meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, too address the ongoing economic issues in the island nation.

The discussion between the two focused on the ongoing reforms in the financial sector and the significant advancements in debt restructuring efforts, a statement by the President’s Media Division said.

The domestic debt restructuring (DDR) process which has already been met with a severe backlash from a number of parties including the Opposition, civil activities and other concerned parties is kept being lauded by the IMF and the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to continue with the DDR process regardless is backed by economic austerity which has already been put on the shoulders of the public.

Batticaloa Campus returned to founder, ex Governor Hizbullah

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Batticaloa Campus returned to founder, ex Governor Hizbullah

Colombo (LNW): The private University in Batticaloa which was acquired by the Sri Lanka Military following controversial reports influenced by the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to its owner, former Governor of the Eastern Province M.L.A.M. Hizbullah.

The university has been handed over on the directive of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in consideration of the request made by Hizbullah, according to reports.

The private University in Batticaloa was taken over by the military four years ago over its alleged ties to the Easter Sunday genocide that took away more than 260 lives, but was released as the investigations had proven that no such links exist.

Current state of SDG advancement globally unsatisfactory: President

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Current state of SDG advancement globally unsatisfactory: President

PMD: Addressing the SDG Summit 2023, President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a stark assessment of the global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised that the current state of SDG advancement is globally unsatisfactory, with only 12% of the targets on track while no progress has been made in 30% of the other critical targets.

President Wickremesinghe drew attention to the backdrop of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing the 17 SDGs, which was adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015. During the same year, the Paris Agreement, a landmark pact adopted by 196 countries at COP21, emerged as another progressive global initiative. However, the President noted that despite these ambitious endeavours, there has been a severe scarcity of resources dedicated to their successful implementation.

The global pandemic that unfolded in 2020 dealt a devastating blow to these programmes. Economic growth stagnated and numerous sectors witnessed a complete absence of economic activity. This exacerbated the already existing global debt crisis, pushing many nations, including Sri Lanka, to the brink of bankruptcy. The looming question now is whether the SDGs remain achievable in the current, resource-constrained scenario.

Taking Sri Lanka as an example, President Wickremesinghe revealed that prior estimates in 2019 indicated that approximately 9% of the country’s GDP would need to be invested to attain these ambitious targets. However, the economic fallout from the pandemic and the ensuing crisis have made this goal increasingly unrealistic. The President underscored the fact that Sri Lanka’s climate prosperity plan alone requires a substantial investment of US $26.5 billion before 2030, a sum that is increasingly challenging to secure.

The dire financial situation extends beyond Sri Lanka, impacting many regions of Asia and Africa. Even countries that have managed to avoid bankruptcy are grappling with the consequences of the ongoing crisis. The G20 summit recently reaffirmed that developing nations require a staggering $5.9 trillion in financing by 2030 to fulfill their nationally determined contributions. Additionally, an annual investment of $4 trillion is essential for the adoption of clean energy technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

President Wickremesinghe called for a critical examination of whether these figures are feasible in the face of the unprecedented financial calamity affecting many nations. He stressed that the Paris Summit for New Global Financing Act holds promise in addressing financial challenges. However, he concluded by emphasising the urgent need to determine concrete actions to navigate this complex and daunting landscape of global financing.

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