The Cabinet has approved new reimbursement guidelines to accelerate the “Communication to the Village” (Gamata Sannivedanaya) national project aimed at expanding 4G broadband coverage islandwide.
The Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC), which implements the project under the Finance Act No. 11 of 2004, has so far facilitated the construction of 83 communication towers in underserved areas through a cost-sharing mechanism with mobile service providers.
However, progress had slowed due to increased operational costs and limited revenue generation from certain towers following the economic crisis. In response, the TRC has introduced revised guidelines to reimburse either a maximum of Rs. 35 million per tower or 75% of the actual construction cost, whichever is lower.
The Cabinet granted approval following a proposal by the President in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy.
