The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has been informed that in addition to the existing telecommunication system licences and frequency licences, 3 other types of licences will be introduced through the amendments to Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Act. 

Through the said, in addition to the companies that provide telecommunication services, licences are also given to companies that provide infrastructure, while the powers of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission will be strengthened.

It was also disclosed that the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill to amend the Telecommunications Act will introduce a mechanism under a competitive system in providing telecommunication frequencies. 

According to this, the relevant regulations should be compiled by the Parliament and thus the opportunity to introduce new technology to the telecommunications sector will arise, as well as it will be possible to properly regulate the institutions that conduct this business.

Furthermore, through these amendments, there is an opportunity to give the customer the advantage of reducing tariffs in the market competition.  

The CoPF was also informed that amendments have been submitted for the security of undersea telecommunication cables.

The information was revealed when the CoPF met in Parliament in June under the Chairmanship of  MP Harsha de Silva. Officials representing the Attorney General’s Department, Ministry of Technology, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and other institutions also participated in the meeting.

CoPF Chair MP Harsha de Silva emphasized that given the world is changing rapidly with the advancement of telecommunication-related technology, Sri Lanka as a country must ensure its legislation to leverage and benefit from such technology. He further said that these amendments will be a more positive step forward to introduce the new technology in the telecommunication sector.

MP Harsha de Silva added that this Bill is being considered by the Committee on Public Finance to investigate matters related to public finances, market competition and transparency, consumer fairness, etc.

As such, the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill to amend the Telecommunications Act was considered by the Committee on Public Finance, after which the Bill received approval.

The Speaker recently announced the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the petitions filed against this Bill submitted by the Minister of Technology to Parliament on 10th May 2024 to amend the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991.

Accordingly, the officials who were present at the CoPF meeting said that respecting the decision of the Supreme Court, they will take measures to submit all necessary amendments to the Bill. The officials also said that it is a need of the hour to amend this Act along with the technical trends of the world and although the Cabinet Sub-committees have worked for the amendment of this Bill on three previous occasions, it has not been accomplished.

The officials added that this Bill was prepared after extensive discussions with all stakeholders in the telecommunication sector in accordance with the accepted standards of the world. Thus, in a more competitive market, there is scope for a regulation that is fair to the consumer. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka’s determination on ‘Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Amendment Bill’ was conveyed to the Parliament by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today. 

The Speaker announced that the Supreme Court deems that several clauses of the said Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution.

He further said that the Supreme Court says the Bill shall only be passed by a special majority of Parliament if amended.  

The Supreme Court further states that, however, the inconsistency shall cease if clauses are amended as set out by the Supreme Court determination. 

The Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill was introduced to Parliament in May with provisions that could impose penalties on those who misuse telephone communication.

Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha presented the bill which proposes fines of up to Rs. 100,000 and potential disconnection of telephone services for those persistently causing annoyance or inconvenience without a reasonable excuse.

The amended bill presented to Parliament after a period of 28 years, also stipulates harsher penalties for those found deliberately inciting public unrest through their communications, with possible fines reaching Rs. 1 million or even imprisonment, alongside daily fines of Rs. 1,500 for ongoing offences. (Newswire) 

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The Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill was introduced to Parliament on Friday, with provisions that could impose penalties on those who misuse telephone communication.

Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha presented the bill which proposes fines of up to Rs. 100,000 and potential disconnection of telephone services for those persistently causing annoyance or inconvenience without a reasonable excuse.

The amended bill presented to Parliament after a period of 28 years, also stipulates harsher penalties for those found deliberately inciting public unrest through their communications, with possible fines reaching Rs. 1 million or even imprisonment, alongside daily fines of Rs. 1,500 for ongoing offences. 

The bill has attracted some criticism as critics note that the legislation has not been drafted after public consultations. 

Notably, the legislation targets misinformation provided to telecommunications officials, with penalties including fines up to Rs. 100,000 and the forfeiture of the telecommunications apparatus involved.

The bill grants new powers to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to manage submarine cables within Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, collaborating with the Sri Lanka Navy, the Department of Coast Guard, and the Sri Lanka Police to enforce these provisions. (Newswire)

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