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BUSINESS

Telecom Market

Sri Lanka Web Server (English, This page includes Business Guide, Internet Providers, Travel Guide)
Lanka Business Web(English, directory of Sri Lankan companies.)

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Telecommunication Industry in Sri Lanka

Introduction

Sri Lnaka's telecommunication industry being completely state owned first began moves towards deregulation by the separation of the Policy and Business arms in 1992. The former, now the Telecommunications Authority of Sri Lanaka (TASL), is now a separate entity dealing with regulatory functions while the latter, now Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is a public profit seeking company with 51% shares held by the state. In Sri Lanka, the number of private companies to provide various telecommunications services are rapidly increasing, especially under the Telecommunication Act 1991. As for May 1995, 18 private companies are providing their services under the following categories:




Cellular mobile telephone      4 

Paging service                 5 

Stired & forward fax services  2 

Data transmission              3 

Mobile radio trunking          1 

Payphone                       3

TASL has also licensed mobile voice commnucation to four major cellular telephone operators, namely, Celltel, Mobitel, CallLink and Dialogue. In additional Lanka Payphones and Metropolitan Communications have been licensed to provide voice via pay phone networks throughout Sri Lanka while Fentons Ltd. have been authorised to carry voice over a fixed wireless network. Ericksons project in Kandy is one of the many involved in upgrading switching facilities at various exchange. More recently, the TASL has made moves to further deregulate the industry by licensing a private operator, MTT, to lay fiber optic trunk route communication network throughout the country.

Data Communication Networks in Sri Lanka

Data communication service is provided by three operators; i.e. Sri Lanka Telecome (STL), Lanka Communication Services and Electrotek. DataPAC switching system, operated by STL, is situated in the SLT Headquarters buiding in Colombo. Its Datanetwork Identification Code (DNIC) is 4131. It was put into service on May 12, 1993. The DataNET operated by Lanka Communication Services is situated in Colombo. It has the Data Network Identification Code (DNIC) 4132 and was commissioned in 1993. The data communications network operated by Electotek has 4133 as its DNIC.

The DataPAC has 3 subscribers by means of dedicated lines and another 22 subscribers via public switched telephone network (PSTN). Those 22 subscribers are call dial-up line subscribers and three of them have dedicated telephone numbers to get access to the packet switch network. Majory of the subscribers are in Colombo, some in Katunayake and in Kandy.

The STL Public Switched Packet Data Network (PSPDN) makes use of ISO standrd X.25 Packet Switching technology. It supports internationally standardized communication protocols and allows computers and other data devices to communicate each other.

DataPAC PSPDN is connected to Gateway Packet Switch Service (GPSS) of Bombay, India, for providing international connectivity. Around 30 countries and 100 different public data networks are accessible via GPSS, India. DataPAC DNIC (4131) is located and validated to many international data networks to meet the present customer requirements.

In order to identify the organizations involved in the networking industry in Sri Lanka. They can be grouped as Data Carriers (DC), Service Providers (SP), Content Providers (CP) and Access Centres (AC).

Data Carriers (DC)

This category is reserved for those institutions with official authorization to hire out communications bandwidth either via land/sea lines, radio or satelite. It also owns satelite bandwidth via IntelSat, INMARSAT and other regional satelite and is the sole licensed operator for fixed voice communication in Sri Lanka. SLT have recenty begun marketing packet switched services under the trade name DataPac. SLT's services are in switched and leased voice circuits, national digital leased circuits up to 2 Mb/s, international leased circuits and national and international X.25 access. SLT's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) also functions as the common fixed network for the private mobile telephone operators, and for dial up access for DataPac. More recently, however, there have been signs that this sector would be further deregulated and others given licences to operate major trunk route services.

The introduction of N-ISDN functionality by upgrading exchange will enable SLT to fully utilize high capacity lines by offering voice and other related value added services, conventional X.25 service and Internet services to user.

In addition to this, a trunk route cable supply and radio equipment agent, Protec Services (Pvt.) Ltd. was visited.

Service Providers

Other than the three radio and satelite access service providers mentioned above and SLTs own DataPac service, there are also a number of operators providing a range of different services based on data communications. Those identified were Infolabs, ToolNet, LEARN, ITMIN and CeyCOM.

The Sri Lanka Telecom-INTERNET started it's Internet Service providing facility in February, 1996.

Four private companies have been more recently received licences for data communication with the oldest of them, Electroteks, also granted a separate licence for carrying voice on data, which is form of voice mail, where compressed voice packets are transferred in store and forward manner. Of these four, Lanka Internet Service (LIS) became the first to provide on-line Internet access on a commericial basis in April, 1995. The other two operators are DataNet, Electrotec. The Infolab are also started providing internet access very recently. Infolab is a Web site which is operated as a Internet Club where subscriber can come and play their equipment as hourly bases.

Of the remainder identified in advance, CeyCOM and ITMIN are yet to begin full operations while ToolNet and Sri Lanka Academic and Research Network (LEARN) are currently extablished electronic mail networks serving academic and research interest.

The LEARN, which is used by three universities in Sri Lanka, will be connected from PSTN subscriber through an IP Router to the SLT data communication network. LEARN is a TCP/IP based electronic mail network among the univesities with a total of some 50 academic and research institute and non-profit organisations including NGO's among its clients. LEARN already uses Internet domain name addressing and has been allocated an official block of IP addresses. LEARN is supported by the University Grant Commission (UGC) and the Computer and Information Technology Council (CINTEC) of Sri Lanka.

The former based in the Arthur Clarke Centre for Modern Technologies (ACCMT) is a Fido based system served by the Tool Server in the Netherlands with gateway to other networks including the Internet.

Content Providers

A possible source is the ITMIN survay of some 30 content providers in Sri Lanka research and trade organisations. Some Sps can also be considered as possible access points to replicated content database local or foreign. For example, LEARN would maintain mirror archiving selected educational and research information; ITMIN, local commercial and trade information and Toolnet with access to appropriate technology, enviroment, agriculture and renewable energy data.

Access Centres

These are potential regional level infrastucture through which PAN would as a first step be able to support the concept of tele-centres. The University network, The NIE and local government organisations and the industrial Free Trade Zoons (FTZ) are some of the candidates for such minimal networked lab enviroments.

Although Sri Lanka has progressed steadily in the use of Information Technology, its utilization is still very much restricted to the city of Colombo except for some of the universities, which operate training laboratories. While eight traditional Universities at Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayadardenepura (Nugegoda), Kelaniya, Moratuwa, Ruhuna, Eastern (Batticaloa) and Jaffna, and very recent decision taken by the government to converts all Affiliated University Collages (AUC) to the University level, the Anuradhapura and Sabaragamuwa and other AUCs affiliated to those two, together with the Open University have LANs and access to the LEARN Network.

Universities are undergraduate and postgraduate degree granting institutions free of charge by law, and mainly depend on funding by the University grants Commission and the External Resources Ministry.

In order to be able to provide regional level 'telecentres' with the necessary miniml level of networked equipment and personnel it would be essential for the institutional concerned to have a relatively well-established network of branches throughout the country. Other than the University network of eleven centres in the island, the National Institute of Education (NIE) will provide the largest spread of networked laboratories in Sri Lanka in the form of Regional Computer Resource Centres. According to the current plans there would be 300 centres schedule to be completed by the end of 1996.

New Projects

PAN-Sri Lanka Project

Early 1995, the Asia Regional Office of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Singapore launched a new computer-based communication and research network for Asia. The network was termed the PAN-Asia Network Program. Worldview International Foundation (WIF) was asked by IDRC to by the end of 1995, submit a project proposal for PAN networked in Sri Lanka. Vietnam and Mongoliya have already abtained their funding and are currently building up their national PAN network. Laos, Nepal and Bangladesh will follows.

PAN is linked to internet. This enable PAN users to link up with researchers and practitioners from international research and development institutions. The project proposal was submitted and accepted. The project was regitrated as company to allow for the provision of Internet services to the research and development community. Partners in the new company are IDRC, WIF and Computing Services Centre (CSC) of the Institute of Computer Technology, University of Colombo.

Future Plans

The Sri Lanka telecommunication industry seems to be at a watershed right now. The privatization of SLT and the new licensing of private operaters on trunk routes could drastically change the entire networking and data communication infrastructure in the country. For example, with regard to SLT the PSTN will cover all vilages by year 2000, leased circuits and mobile coverage, email and data communication will extend to all major cities and other value added services such as video text, teleconferrencing and N-ISDN services will operate in Colombo by year 2000. Since only recently begun, MTT's plans for extending their fiber optic backbone network is not availale. This may operate in direct competition with SLT offering value added broadband ISDN services.

Together with this, the intention of most current service providers to offer direct Internet or gateway access to Internt, could see Sri Lanka finally join the Information Superhighway in a major capacity. Already at least Lanka Internet Services and LEARN have concrete plans to introduce advanced Internet services such as Web servers (a multimedia networking tools), Mirror Archives (reduced cost databae access) as well as supporing the worlds lasrgest bulleting board, USENET News consisting of thousand of news groups to whith uses can subscribe, which covey timely information on any subject. The recent experiences in BBS are not entirely well received and uses must be warned of information glue as well.

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CULTURE

Buddhist Cultural Center(English, This page includes Books & Information, Institute of Buddhist Studies, Meditation and Core Doctrine of Buddhism.)

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EDUCATION

ICA, Sri Lanka(English, Home Page of the Institute of Chartered Accountsnts of Sri Lanka.)
The Royal College Home Page(English, This page show all about the Royal College)
S.Thomas' College(English, The College was named after the Apostle St. Thomas'.)

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MASS MEDIA

Daily New(English, The English Daily with the largest circulation in Sri Lanka)
Sunday Observer(English, Sri Lanka's English newspaper with the largest circulation. Internet Edition)
Lake House NewsWeb(English, Monthly Digest of Lake House NewsWeb)
The Sunday Times of Sri Lanka(English, About Wijeya Newspapers. This Week's Sunday Times. Last Week's Sunday Times.)
The Island(English, Selected Articles from "The Island". Sunday edition.)
News Releases(English, by Embassy of Sri Lanka in USA)
Lanka Web(English, The Sri Lanka Information Centre.)

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OTHERS

Sri Lanka Web Server (English, This page includes Business Guide, Internet Providers, Travel Guide)

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National Anthem

After gaining independence from foreing rule the people of Sri Lanka were kindled with patriotic feeling.

On the recommendation of the Sri Lanka Gandharva Sabha a competition to select a national anthem was conducted in January 1948.

At this competition late Mr. Ananda Samarakoon's composition "Namo Namo Matha" was chosen as the National Anthem.

The main theme of the Anthem is designed to install honour and respect to the Motherland and create national progress though Unity.

During the early 1950s there was a controversy about the national anthem. A defect was found in the lyrics and the opening words were changed as Sri Lanka Matha - Apa Sri Lanka". The first rendering of the National Anthem was made on Independence Day February 04th, 1948 by a group of 500 students from Musaeus College, Colombo and it was broadcast over the radio.

The National Anthem is incorporated in Section 7 third schedule of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

National Anthem in Sinhala

National Anthem in Tamil

National Anthem in English

Sri Lanka Matha
Apa Sri Lanka Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha
Sundara siri barani surandi athi soba mana Lanka
Dhanya dhanaya neka mal palathuru piri jaya bhoomiya Ramya
Apa hata sapa siri setha sadhana jeevanaye matha
Piliganumana apa bhakthi pooja Namo Namo Matha
Apa Sri Lanka Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha
Obave apa vidya
Obamaya apa sathya
Obave apa shakthi
Apa hada thula bhakthi
Oba apa aloke
Apage anu prane
Oba apa jeevanave
Apa mukthiya obave
Nava jeevana demine nithina apa pubudu karan matha
Gnana veerya vadawamina ragana yanu mana jaya bhoomi kara
Eka mawakage daru kala bawina
Yamu yamu wee nopama
Prema wada sama bheda dhurarada
Namo Namo Matha
Apa Sri Lanka Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha

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State Emblem

Sri Lanka used the British emblem when it was a British Crown Colony. We continued to use it even after gaining independence in 1948. According to the recommendations of a select committee appointed to devise a state emblem more suitable for Sri Lanka (Ceylon) we opted for a new State Emblem. It had a Lion with Sword in its right fore paw encircled with a Palapethi design stop. Below there was a strip carrying the country's name in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

A new republican emblem was chosen after the country was declared a Republic on May 22, 1972. In addition to the lion with a sword and the Palapethi design it portrays the Punkalasa, dhammachakka, sun, moon and two sheaves of paddy.

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National Flag

The necessity of a National Flag was discussed even before Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4th, 1998. Mr. A. Sinnalebbe, MP for Batticaloa table a motion in the State Council on January 16th, 1948 suggesting that the Lion Flag of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which was taken to Brirain in 1815 should be made the National Flag. This was debated and later Prime Minister Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayal named an Advisory Committee for the formulation of a National Flag. The Member of the Committee were Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Chairmen), Sir John Kotalawela, Mr. J.R. Jayewardene, Mr. T.B. Jayah, Dr. L.A. Rajapakse, Mr. G.G. Ponnambalam and Senator S. Nadesan.

Although a Committee for the formulation of a national flag was appointed no finality had been reached when the first independence day was celebrated on Fenruary 4th, 1948. However the Lion Flag fluttered on that day. The Lion Flag and the British Union Jack fluttered on the occassion of the opening of the first Parliament of independent Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on February 19th, 1948. Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake unfurled the Lion Flag at the Octagon (Pattirippuwa) during the independence celebration held in Kandy on February 12th, 1948.

The National Flag recommended by the special committee was presented to Parliament by Mr. D.S. Senanayake on March 2nd, 1951 and adopted. It had two strips, one green and the other yellow. Each of these strips had to be equal to one seventh the size of the fgal.

When Sri Lanka was first made a Republic in 1972 the traditional Bo Leaves depicted in the National Flag were changed to resemble natural Bo leaves. The amended flag was first unfurled at the Republic Day celebration held on May 22nd, 1972. The National Flag is incorporated in Section 6 Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Democcratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka of September 09th, 1978.

Except for the new Bo leaves the present flag is the same flag recommended by the National Flag Formulation Committee on March 2nd, 1951.

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National Flower

The Nil Mahanel flower was declared the National Flower of Sri Lanka on February 26, 1986. Its botanical name is Nympheae Stellata. This flower is mentioned in many Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit Literary works. The flower which is also referred to as "Kuvalaya", "Indheewara", "Niluppala", "Nilothpala", and "Nilupul" occupies a pre eminent position in Buddhist literature too. It is said the "Nil Mahanel Flower" was among the 108 ceremonial designs found on the footprint of Prince Siddhartha. This proves that it had been a ceremonial flower throughout history. It is believed that the damsels depicted in Sigiriya Frescoes also carry the Nil Mahanel flower in their hands. Traditional poetry known as "Sandesa Kavya" likend women's eyes to the Nil Mahanel flower which has also used as an ear ornament.

The Nil Mahanel plant which grown in shallow waters is found in all parts of the country. The flower which is purplish blue in colour has a heavy concentration of petals in the centre. The Nil Mahanel flower is also considered a symbol of truth, purity abd discipline.

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NATIONAL STATS

[In Japanese]

Overview: Serendib, Teprobane, Ceylon, Lanka, Sri Lanka,
The Name conjures up images of a land rich in heritage, and culture.
Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean 50km (31 miles) off the southern tip of India
Climate: No marked seasons. A special feature is that th hot and humid lowlands and the s alubrious hill country are separated by a few hours motoring. Average mean tempe rature along the coast is 26.7 C (80 F) and 19.7 C (66.50 F) in the hill country . In Colombo, the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperatur e varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F). Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night.
Brief History: The student of Ceylon's history has a rich variety of sources to draw from literary, epigraphical and archaeological. By far the most important is the dynastic and religious chronicle, the Mahavansa together with its commentary, Vasatthappakasini, and its continuation, the Culavamsa. There three chronicles record a continuos story beginning with the Indo-Aryan settlements of the island in the 6th century BC uoto the beginning of modern times, a time span of 22 centuries. An earlier chronicle is the Depavansa and possibly the Sihalavatthu, a recent discovery. The information contained in there chronicles can be checked by epigraphical sources. Up to date over 2,5000 rock inscriptions have been discovered, over 1,000 of them belonging to the 3rd, 2nd and 1st century BC. Archaeological evidence is concentrated in the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, neighbouring Mihintale, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. All in the north-central dry zone which cradled the early civilization of the country.
The recorded history of Ceylon begins with the legendary story of the landing of Prince Vijaya and his 700 followers from a kindom in north-western India in the 6th century BC. The Sinhala people who today comprise 71 precent of the population are descendants of this Indian settlement. Historians surmise that the truth behind the legend is that Aryan settements in Ceylon were established at that time by enterprising groups of merchants and traders. It is generally accepted that prior to thee settlements there were no people in the country with an advanced civilization. But some archeologist and historians think otherwise. It is however cetin that there were group of people who may be describe as aborigines. They were hunting tribes and used simple implement of quartz, wood and animal bones. The veddas of today are supposed to be descendants of these tribes.
During the 5th and 4th centuries BC Ceylon was extencively colonized by these Indo Aryans. The Cgronology of Ceylon's history can be established firmly with the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC) who was a contemporary of Emperor Asoka of India. One preceding king deseves mention here King Pandukhabaya who founded the city of Anuradhapura which was to be the royal capital for over a millennium.
National Anthem
National Flag
National Flower
State Emblem
National Tree
Form of government: Sri Lanka has a Democratic Government, with an executive President and a Parliament elected by the people.
Population (millions): 17.619(mid-1993)
Populatin density (people/1 square km): 270
Literacy rate: Male:90.5%
Female:82.4%
Ethnicty: Sinhala(74%), Tamil(18%), Moors(7%), Others(1%)
Offical languages: Sinhala and Tamil
Religions: Buddhism(69%), Hinduism(15%), Christianity(8%), Islam(7%)
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte
Colombo Exchange rates(at 3/6/'95): Currency per Unit S.L.Rs. Buying Selling 1 US Dollars 50.17 50.39 1 Sterling Pounds 78.96 79.76 1 Deutsche Mark 35.73 36.28 1 French Francs 10.13 10.37 100 Japanese Yen 58.44 59.36

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NATIONAL STATS

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National Tree

A proposal made to declare the Na Tree as the National Tree was adopted by the Cabinet on February 26th, 1986. Socially and culturally we have been closely associated with the Na Tree for centuries. It was chosen as the National Tree for 7 reasons.

(1) It is a tree which originated in Sri Lanka;
(2) Its utility;
(3) Historic and Cultural importance;
(4) Exterior posture;
(5) Wide distribution;
(6) Colour and Nature;
(7) Ability to draw and sketch it easily.

Botanically it is called "Mesua Nagassarium" and in English it is called the Iron Wood tree. An indigenous tree it is also grown in parks because of its majestic beauty. As the English name signifies the tree is very hard and durable. The wood is used in building temples and devales.

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TOURISM

Information for tourist

Sri Lanka Web Server (English, This page includes Business Guide, Internet Providers, Travel Guide)

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Information for Tourist

Customs Duties

The Sri Lanka tariff is based on the Harmonized System of Nomenclature. Import duties are normally based on the CIF value.

Travel Documents and Period of Stay

Visitors to Sri Lanka must possess a valied pasport together with an apporopriate entry visa where required. Extension of stay would be granted on application to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration. Under an oder effective from 1.1.90, visit visas will be issued on arrival to each passenger carrying a minimum od US Dollars 30 per day and an outbound air ticket. The Controller of Exchange has authorised that visitors not carrying foreign currency but valid international credit cards be issued entry visas.

Health Regulations

Visitors to Sri Lanka are required to hold, (if arriving via infeted areas) certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and cholera.

Currency Regulations

Foreign Currency should be encashed only at banks or authorised money chargers of the Exchange Control Dept. The currency declarations made at entry to te country may be required at this stage.

Accommodation

Awide variety of accommodation is available, ranging from international chain hotels to informal guest houses. The price of a single room (room only) is between US dollars 50 to US Dollars 70 in a Five Star Hotel. Detailled information is available from

The Travel Information Centre,
Sri Lanka Tourist Board,
78, Stewart Place,
Colombo 3.
Sri Lanka.

Tel. +94-1-437054 or +94-1-437060

Hotels

Hotel Galadari - Colombo
Hilton - Colombo
Hunas Falls Hotel - Kandy
Sigiriya Village - Sgiriya
St. Andrews Hotel - Nuwara Eliya
Seashells Hotel - Negombo
Sea Garden Hotel - Negombo
Yala Safari Beach Hotel -Yala
Royal Oceanic Hotel - Negombo
Blue Oceanic Hotel - Negombo
Tropical Villas - Beruwila

Air Route to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Main Airport is the Katunayale International Airport, which is 29 km. from the city. Coach Services ply at regulat intervals between the Airport and the city. Taxi services are also available.

AirLines

Following Airlines have regular services to and from Colombo.

Air Lanka Ltd.
Aeroflot Soviet Airlines
Balkan Bulgarian Airlines
British Airways
Indian Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Kuwait Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Saudi Aradian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Thai Airways International Ltd.
UTA French Airlines
Quantas

Travel in Sri Lanka

Air :
It is possible to charter helicopters and certain light Aircraft from Sri Lanka Air Force, Heli Tours or Upali Travels Ltd.

Rail :
Railway travel is comparatively cheap. Sleeping cars are available on journeys to more distant parts of the island. These should be booked in advance.

Road :
There is a good network of metalled roads throughout the island connecting all principal towns. Hiring vehivles comprise cars, coaches, and self drive cars with or without A.C. Taxies are available in Colombo and in most of the principal towns.

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