Two telecom giants – Dialog Axiata PLC and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel (SLT-Mobitel) – just supercharged the island nation's connectivity with commercial 5G services. This rollout, completed last week, marks Sri Lanka's full entry into the public 5G era after years of testing.
Speed Meets Innovation
SLT-Mobitel kicked off the launch last Friday (Dec 19) at Colombo's One Galle Face Mall, showcasing 5G-powered AR gaming and instant 4K streaming. With over 220 active 5G sites already live, Dialog's network now serves 1.5 million subscribers nationwide through its Dialog 5G Ultra service.
Tech Leaders Weigh In
"This isn't just faster phones – it's the foundation for AI development and smart cities," said SLT Group Chairman Mothilal De Silva. Dialog CEO Supun Weerasinghe added: "5G will redefine how Sri Lanka works, learns, and creates value in the global digital economy."
What's Next?
Industry analysts predict this dual launch could boost Sri Lanka's tech startup scene and attract overseas investors looking for emerging 5G markets. With both providers committed to expanding coverage, expect more VR education tools and IoT solutions to emerge in 2026.
