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The Public Finance Committee considered the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill, which amends the Telecommunications Act, and approved it.
The proposal was approved by the Public Finance Committee, chaired by Dr. Harsha de Silva, a member of Parliament, during a meeting held in Parliament on June 25, 2024. Officials from the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and other agencies attended the committee meeting.
The Speaker recently announced the Supreme Court’s ruling on the petition filed by the Minister of Science and Technology to Parliament on May 10, 2024, regarding a bill to amend the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991.
Therefore, the officials present said they will respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and take steps to submit all necessary amendments to the Act. The officials also said that with the technological trends in the world, it is imperative to amend the Act, even though the Cabinet sub-committee had previously made three unsuccessful efforts to amend the Act.
Officials also said the bill was prepared in accordance with world-accepted standards after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecom industry. Therefore, there is room for regulations that are fair to consumers in a more competitive market.
It was also revealed that this will introduce competition in the provision of telecommunication frequencies. Accordingly, the Parliament should formulate relevant regulations so as to create opportunities for the introduction of new technologies in the country’s telecommunication sector and to properly regulate the institutions carrying out this business, the officials pointed out.
It was also revealed that in addition to the existing telecommunications system license and frequency license, the revision will also introduce three other licenses. It is reported that in addition to companies providing telecommunications services, licenses for infrastructure companies will also be provided. Officials also said that the revision will strengthen the powers of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.
In addition, officials also pointed out that through these amendments, there is an opportunity to give customers the advantage of reduced tariffs in market competition. The meeting also discussed the amendments submitted for the security of submarine telecommunication cables.
The Commission Chairman stressed that given that the world is changing rapidly with advancements in telecommunication-related technology, we as a country must ensure that our legislation is able to take advantage of and benefit from such technology. Furthermore, the Commission Chairman stated that these amendments will be a more proactive step in introducing new technologies to the telecommunications sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Harshad Silva said the bill is being considered by the Public Finance Committee to look into matters related to public finance, market competition and transparency, and consumer fairness.
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