Sri Lanka Telecom 5G delay sparks concern as claims emerge over Rs. 5 billion investment, secret deals and governance failures.
Sri Lanka Telecom 5G controversy has triggered fresh public debate after allegations surfaced over delays, secret dealings, and governance failures inside SLT-Mobitel.
A controversial revelation has claimed that Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel, two giants in Sri Lanka’s communications sector, are now facing a severe institutional crisis.
The claims, made by well-known critic Ajith Dharmapala, suggest that serious governance failures and strategic conspiracies may be behind the alleged collapse of confidence in the state telecom institution.
Following Dharmapala’s revelations, intense public debate has emerged over the transparency of the state-owned telecom giant and the conduct of its top management.
5G Delay: Was Rs. 5 Billion Wasted?
The central allegation is the reported deliberate delay by Sri Lanka Telecom-Mobitel in introducing 5G technology commercially in Sri Lanka.
Dharmapala claims that despite spending more than Rs. 5 billion in public funds to obtain 5G frequencies and licences, the institution has still failed to launch the service for consumers.
While rival private telecom companies are moving rapidly to bring 5G services to the market, Sri Lanka Telecom is allegedly suffering a massive loss of around Rs. 200 million per month without gaining any return from the investment.
This has raised strong suspicion over whether the delay is intentional, with critics questioning whether the customer base is being allowed to shift toward private competitors.
Leadership Links And Conflict Of Interest Claims
The appointments and conduct of the institution’s current Chairman, Motilal de Silva, and Chief Executive Officer, Rias Rashid, have also come under strong criticism.
A key concern raised is that both individuals previously held senior positions at rival private telecom companies.
Allegations have been made that such past links between those now leading the government’s main communications institution and competing private sector companies create a “conflict of interest”.
Critics argue that this may be influencing decisions in a way that damages the progress and competitiveness of Sri Lanka Telecom-Mobitel.
Questions have also been raised regarding the Chairman’s age and whether he has the modern technological vision required to lead a major telecom institution in the current digital environment.
Secret Shangri-La Meeting Raises Questions
Another serious claim in the revelation concerns an alleged secret discussion held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.
According to the allegations, the Chairman and CEO held talks with a private company over a telecom sector project valued between Rs. 20 billion and Rs. 25 billion.
It is claimed that this was done without informing the institution’s official Board of Directors.
The question now being raised is why decisions involving Sri Lanka Telecom, a major state asset, are allegedly being discussed privately and secretly in this manner.
Political Appointments And Governance Crisis
The revelation also claims that individuals accused of corruption during previous regimes have been appointed to the institution’s Board of Directors.
Dharmapala states that good governance within the institution has collapsed due to such political appointments, badly damaging public trust.
Growing Demands For Action
Dharmapala has urged the government to intervene immediately and take several key steps.
He has called for an urgent investigation by the Auditor General’s Department into the 5G investment and the delay in its commercial launch.
He has also called for an independent inquiry into alleged conflicts of interest and secret transactions within top management.
In addition, he has urged the removal of officials acting against the interests of the institution and the appointment of new leadership with a modern technological vision.
Sri Lanka Telecom or Mobitel has not yet issued an official statement regarding these allegations.
The public now remains watchful of what steps authorities will take to protect the future of the institution and safeguard public funds.
SOURCE :- HARIDESHAYA.LK
