IDD
As we reported last year, we fully intended to adopt a rationalization on tariff structure to cushion any adverse effects on consumers. But events both in Sri Lanka and internationally dictated otherwise. First, the attack on Sri Lanka's international airport brought tourism and commerce to its knees, and later the September attacks on the World Trade Centre in the USA, similarly affected business, particularly internationally. These events and the resulting downturns in the economic environment, coupled with high IDD tariffs, had an obvious negative impact on the profitability of the international call sector.

In theory, and according to Ministry thinking, SLT enjoys a monopoly on incoming and outgoing international telephony up until August 2002. However, this is not reality. Therefore, SLT continues to battle for profitability in this sector.

As at 31 December 2001, SLT provides IDD facilities to 219 countries, and enjoys direct connectivity to 51 countries.

We provide such connectivity through 3,619 submarine circuits and 1,586 satellite circuits.