The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. I am grateful to wind up this debate on the Regulations on Shared Use of Telecommunications Infrastructure.

¶ 02 There was no serious Opposition engagement on the technical importance and policy framework we intend to establish. The core aim of these regulations under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act is to set a structured regulatory framework for sharing telecom infrastructure among service providers. The benefits are economic and security-related — especially national security.

¶ 03 Telecommunications is vital for public life, the economy and development. Therefore, empowering the TRCSL with the necessary directives and technical guidance to regulate effectively is crucial. These regulations prioritize promoting competition, upgrading infrastructure, reducing costs for rapid deployment of services, and avoiding repeated construction by integrating and sharing infrastructure to use existing resources efficiently. Given the sector’s high technological content, updating the regulatory process after many years is important.

¶ 04 During the recent “898” cyclone, our tri-forces and police contributed immensely to disaster management operations using the technology available. Despite their utmost dedication, communications were affected due to damage and collapse of telecom infrastructure, making it difficult to obtain information and to reach affected sites promptly. Through these regulations, shared and common-use arrangements, and data exchange will strengthen communications, ensuring continuity even when networks are disrupted.

¶ 05 Modern disaster management integrates technology — early warning systems for pre-notification and assessment, deployment of first responders to the right places in the right numbers at the right time. During the “Ditha” cyclone, I personally observed in Badulla over the first two days that communications were severely down, hampering rescue teams. Fibre damage impacted Ampara, Matale, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kurunegala as well. Deployments faced delays. Going forward, with TRCSL empowered, such shortcomings can be rectified, including for emergency calling, public alerting and core data connectivity.

¶ 06 These regulations are therefore vital for first responders. Even if this House did not debate the text extensively, they are of great importance. For national economic development too, making processes efficient and timely requires such measures. Our National People’s Power policy statement also emphasizes technological adoption across development programmes. Establishing a structured regime for infrastructure sharing among service providers is essential. Telecommunications today is highly sensitive; information from anywhere in the world reaches us in seconds, and public safety requires timely regulations. The Ministry of Defence bears special responsibility for public and national security, as well as disaster management support. The establishment of a dedicated Digital Economy Ministry also reflects our focus.

¶ 07 This is a special regulation and a necessity. It will benefit national security and the economy. I conclude.

¶ 08 Question put, and agreed to.