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Dear Stakeholder,

Since privatization, Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has been through five tremendous years of change. These changes have been absolutely necessary because of the global advances in telecommunications, deregulation in Sri Lanka and SLT’s vision of becoming the hub of telecommunication activity in South Asia.

The year in review was one of the most economically challenging years in Sri Lanka. The negative growth rate was the clearest indicators of the difficulties the business community had to face to keep their ‘heads above the water'.

Within this scenario SLT has performed very creditably, increasing its profits, expanding the network, reducing waiting time for its services among users, increasing customer satisfaction and despite competition, maintaining its position as the leading communications service provider in Sri Lanka.

In the coming years SLT will be developing a dynamic business model that will focus on achieving our vision, whilst preparing the Company to face healthy competition.

With satellite communication made accessible simply through a mobile phone, and fibre optic technology further increasing the overall efficiency and clarity of communication, especially in the Audio Visual sector, ‘tomorrow’s technology’ is, without a doubt, already here. Given these and several other advancements, a professional, skilled and customer friendly Service Provider is needed by people in all walks of life.

With this in mind, SLT will need to move ahead with its development and restructuring plans by forming separate business units (SBU’s) in a bid to take advantage of the many opportunities global change has brought about. The Government of Sri Lanka is now faced with the short-term task of kick-starting the country’s economy. Long-term plans are underway to revitalize the economy, raise the quality of life for the people and put Sri Lanka firmly on the map as a rapidly emerging force in the Asian region. Once a lasting peace is achieved, currently a pressing issue for the Government, it will be able to divert precious resources to more fruitful development activity across a united nation.

The changes in the economy will be the key to SLT’s success in the future. In a global context, we are more than confident that SAFTA will generate more commerce and trade in the region, which will open up many opportunities for SLT in time to come.

Our most important asset has been the staff at SLT, they have made untiring contributions to our success. I extend very special thanks to each member of our team. My very personal and sincere thanks to every member of the Board for the unstinted support and corporation they extended to me to fulfil my responsibility with this new challenge.

Thilanga Sumathipala
Chairman