Sri Lanka has moved to reshape its telecommunications landscape by allowing independent firms to own and manage critical infrastructure, a shift expected to cut costs for operators and accelerate digital access across the island.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) yesterday issued the country’s first Telecom Infrastructure Services License to EDOTCO Services Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, a unit of EDOTCO Group, Asia’s leading integrated telecommunications infrastructure company.
“This marks a significant milestone in the decentralisation of telecommunications infrastructure,” Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said at the license awarding ceremony.
“By empowering specialised infrastructure service providers, we can ensure proper network coverage, efficient resource use, and reduced entry barriers for operators to reach underserved areas.”
The license, introduced under Section 17 B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, formally recognises the role of independent mid-tier companies in supporting the country’s connectivity drive.
Weeraratne said the new framework will ease the financial strain on local operators, who will no longer have to build towers across rural and hard-to-reach areas.
“Our operators do not have to bear the additional financial burden of building towers in every nook and corner of the country. Instead, they can now focus on bringing new, advanced digital services and provide better value to the people,” he said.
The shared infrastructure model is expected to minimise duplication, promote environmental sustainability, and lower costs for consumers.
By allowing multiple operators to use the same tower, policymakers aim to expand access to government services and digital solutions in rural regions, advancing Sri Lanka’s push toward an inclusive digital economy.
