The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 We are in an important debate. Sadly, for SJB, SLMC, and ITAK, this seems unimportant. We must develop all our systems. Yet, during debate on regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act, they spoke of everything else. The Opposition should wish for the country’s development and necessary legal reforms. They do not want our children to have digital technology, communications, and education reforms. Lacking valid grounds, they attack various fronts—Development Officers, the Mannar wind power project, stirring ethnic sentiments in Trincomalee.

¶ 03 Hon. Deputy Chair, we must modernize systems. Education reform needs digital tech—in turn, towers and communication facilities. We must revive the economy; during crises, uninterrupted communications are essential. The 1991 Act was amended in 1996 and again in 2024, partially. Today we debate regulations under that Act. This debate is essential.

¶ 04 Implementing these telecommunications regulations is key for developing all sectors. The 1991 Act was amended in 1996 and again in 2024, left halfway, and now we bring the regulations.

¶ 05 Key points: our capital resources must be used efficiently. About 8,000 towers exist; we still need about 800 more. The Government will fund 75 percent of the capital for 150 towers this year; we are discussing how to roll out the rest. Telecommunication service is essential nationwide; some villages cannot even receive calls. Without regulations, each company would build its own towers, wasting national or private capital. With sharing, one tower can be used by three companies, cutting capex and opex, improving competition, and reducing consumer tariffs.

¶ 06 These regulations also give the TRC power to monitor involved companies, regulate operations, and ensure quality of service.

¶ 07 In 2024, TRC revenue was about Rs. 37.6 billion, with expenses of Rs. 8.6 billion. Through careful management by our Government, in 2025 revenue is projected at Rs. 45 billion while cutting expenses from Rs. 8.6 billion to Rs. 5.4 billion. We must continue amending laws to meet basic needs and develop the country.

¶ 08 It is disappointing that some still spew ethnic politics. A Member before me did just that, raising issues with a communal lens, including about the Deputy Secretary-General. Do the North and East not need development? No irrigation? No bridges like Vattuvagal? No drinking water for Jaffna? To deliver basic needs, governments must sometimes acquire land. The people appreciate this Government. Name another Southern leader who visited Jaffna five times within a year, or who implemented dedicated programmes for the hill country.

¶ 09 All our people—Muslims, Tamils, Sinhalese—live with more confidence now. If you truly love the people, join us to revive this beautiful country and unite hearts. The country’s success is everyone’s success.