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Untangling Wires
The working committee comprising six operators and a government representative will try to address outstanding issues like the local access fee and the quality of voice traffic. However the governments overall policy on telecom remains unchanged. rn rnTelephone subscribers usually have it easy. They take for granted that they can dial any number to talk […]
Peace Talks
Ending days of cross talk, telecom operators on Saturday said they were firmly behind the governments liberalisation agenda, but had reservations on some parts of its policy.Telecom operators say they fully support multiple External Gateway Operators or EGOs entry, which will cut down international call prices through competition and maximised choice.rn rnIn a joint statement, […]
Cooling Off
Tension between key telecom operators and the government eased Friday with both parties forming a working group to iron out issues.rn rnThe working committee will meet on February 13 to untangle issues on local access charges, ways to prevent illegal access and rules to prevent cross subsidies. rn rnMinistry sources said the issue will be […]
Changing Caps
Secretary to the Economic Reforms Ministry, Mr.G. Hewagama will take over duties as Chairman of PERC with immediate effect.rn rnMr. Hewagama takes over from Dr. P. B. Jayasundera who stepped down as Chairman with effect from January 1 this year, PERC said in a statement on Friday.rn rnldblquote The appointment at PERC will be in […]
Counting Leaves
Tea exporters are pushing for a three-month moratorium from commercial banks as the government maps out a contingency plan should war break out over Iraq.All exporters currently given a 180-day packing credit to settle outstanding loans, which they want extended by a further three months, Exporters Association officials say. ” We have already put forward […]
Courtroom Battle
The Court of Appeal Thursday issued notice against the securities watchdog to stop it from prosecuting three former Aitken Spence Directors.Former SEC Chairman/Director Aitken Spence, Michael Mack and fellow Director Norman Gunawardene filed separate writs asking the court to squash the SECs decision to prosecute them.rn rnThe petitioners cited the SEC and its Commission members […]
Please Reply
The Court of Appeal Thursday asked Central Bank to file objections on a case brought against them by Pramuka Banks Directors.The Central Bank last December cancelled Pramukas licence on alleged financial irregularities.rn rnThe directors sought legal recourse to quash the decision.rn rnThe Central Bank was given time till February 28 to respond.rn rnRomesh de Silva […]
Big No
The cabinet has taken a firm stand to disconnect the licence of any telecom operator who refuses to toe in line with the new telecom liberalization policy.At a meeting headed by Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, cabinet opted to go ahead with its liberalisation policy, which includes the hotly debated interconnection issue, making it compulsory for all […]
Going Home
Two projects, initiated by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) will add 15,500 new low and middle income homes in the western province.rn rnThe homes will be built on UDA land with monies from Korea and China.rn rnNegotiations are underway with a Korean firm to construct and invest and estimated Rs. 200 million in 500 homes […]
Dry Run
The countrys largest city is running short of water as the state looks to the private sector to bridge a widening gap in supply to Greater Colombo.A privately operated and managed 40 MGD endash Million Gallons per Day (185,000 cubic metre) treatment plant is to take off on the right bank of the Kelani River.rn […]