TRCSL asserts no plans to abandon high-speed Internet initiative

In response to Wednesday’s (Dec.30) Mirror Business front page story titled “End of the road for high speed Internet in Sri Lanka?” Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) yesterday affirmed that it had not taken any decision to abandon the National Broadband Initiative (NBI).

“TRCSL is fully committed to continue in providing its facilities to the high-speed Internet services through a more systematic and transparent way, with a higher involvement of the TRCSL staff, including its telecommunication engineers with a team spirit,” a TRCSL statement said.  
Meanwhile TRCSL Director General Sunil S. Sirisena said the non-renewal of the contract of Sanath Siriwardena, the official spearheaded the NBI was not an individual event. 

“The Board of the Commission of the TRCSK at one of its past meetings had decided not to renew its contract appointments after their expiry dates. It was not an individual decision taken by me. Consequently around 15 employees including Siriwardena have been reminded the dates their contract appointments will be over,” he said. 

“I wish to further emphasize that staff of the several division of the TRCSL as a team, including Siriwardena, as well as the Internet service providers deserve appreciation for all the developments and achievements in the high-speed Internet services in Sri Lanka at affordable prices,” Sirisena noted.