June 09, Colombo: Responding to the report presented to parliament by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security on the plans to privatize Sri Lanka Telecom, the government said the cabinet will consider the report before making a final decision.

The President’s Office said the Government has focused its attention to the Sectoral Oversight Committee report, which was presented to Parliament today (09), emphasizing the concerns surrounding the potential risk to national security resulting from the privatization of Sri Lanka Telecom.

The President’s Media Division said while acknowledging the factual content of the report, the Government believes that it lacks a logical or scientific data analysis pertaining to the subject matter.

To address this deficiency, it is necessary to examine the operation and regulation of information and communication technology service providers in Sri Lanka, analyze financial data related to the sector, understand Sri Lanka’s national ambitions in this field, assess the available capital capacity, and conduct a comprehensive study of global trends.

Furthermore, the Government has reassured that the policy decision taken will not compromise national security, contrary to what is indicated in the report.

Hence, the Government will take a final decision during an upcoming cabinet meeting, considering this report along with recommendations from the information and communication sector.

Additionally, the President emphasizes that the current government’s policy is focused on providing opportunities to the private sector, distancing it from direct government involvement.