The Hon. D. M. Jayaratne, M.P., Minister of Posts, Telecommunications & Upcountry Development granted Sri Lanka Telecom authorization to deploy CDMA [Code Division Multiple Access] technology. CDMA is a technology useful for access network that requires rapid deployment at reduced costs in comparison to the present predominantly wired access technology used by Sri Lanka Telecom [SLT]. Mr Anil Obeyesekere, Chairman, SLT said “The CDMA approval received by SLT will enhance the vision of the Ministry in providing wide-spread communication facilities for rural masses”.
 

This decision will facilitate SLT’s rollout of its telecommunication network to the areas of the country not penetrated; such as the North & East and deep South where telecommunication networks are scarce.
 

Mr Shuhei Anan, CEO, SLT stated “SLT is happy to have received the opportunity to rapidly deploy our services utilizing CDMA technology in areas yet to be served”
 

Whilst strengthening its access network with modern technologies such as CDMA, SLT, the leading national communication service provider of Sri Lanka, is taking steps to evolve its core network into a Next Generation Network [NGN] utilizing soft switches. NGN will further enhance SLT’s capability to deliver IP based [Internet Protocol] services : voice, data and video services thus utilizing the existing networks.   Furthermore, SLT will be extending its fibre back bone to cover all major cities in the country.
 

Apart from developing its domestic network, SLT is also in the process of expanding its international business relationships with telecom giants such as Barat Sanchar Nigam Limited [BSNL] of India.
 

Sri Lanka Telecom is one of the country''s most vital utility companies with an annual turnover in excess of Rs.22 billion. The company has a customer of 850,000 including multinational corporations, large and small corporates, retail and domestic customers. Today with NTT of Japan as a strategic partner, SLT provides facilities and services to its customers, which are unmatched in scope ranging from domestic and international voice, advance data transmission services which include internet services on leased lines, broadband [on ADSL] and dial up, data circuits, frame relay solutions, IP based services such as IP-VPN, total solutions of combination of multiple services, satellite uplink services and mobile telephony through fully owned subsidiary Mobitel etc. Fitch Ratings Lanka bestowed SLT with AAA (sri) rating.