EDOTCO Sri Lanka has commissioned its first independently owned neutral-host telecommunications tower following the issuance of its Infrastructure Provider License in September, marking an important step forward in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Located in the Kahagalla area of the Kegalle District, the tower represents a shift from the traditional model in which telecommunications towers were built, owned, and operated solely by mobile network operators (MNOs). Under the new regulatory framework, EDOTCO is enabled to develop and operate passive telecommunications infrastructure, which can be utilised by MNOs to deploy their active equipment and deliver services to consumers.
The newly commissioned tower is expected to enhance network coverage, capacity, and reliability in the Galigamuwa Division Secretariat area of the Kegalle District, supporting economic activity, digital inclusion, and improved access to essential services. A ceremonial handover was held with the Hon. Member of Parliament for the Kegalle District, Mr. Kanchana Welipitiya, together with officials from the Divisional Secretariat of Kegalle District and the Galigamuwa Pradesheeya Sabha.
The milestone highlights the role of neutral-host infrastructure in enabling faster network deployment, reducing duplication of physical assets, and optimising land use, particularly in regional and underserved areas.
The Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Mrs. Champa Janaki Rajaratne, Retired Judge of the High Court of Sri Lanka, highlighted the broader development impact of such investments, “Telecommunications infrastructure is a critical enabler of regional development. The establishment of this tower in Kegalle strengthens digital access for our communities and supports education, commerce, and public services. We appreciate EDOTCO’s continued commitment to building future-ready infrastructure that supports inclusive growth in the province.”
EDOTCO Sri Lanka has already established a strong nationwide presence, operating over 750 smart lamp poles across all 25 districts. Within a broader national landscape of 7,000 towers, an estimated 11% to 15% of mobile traffic is already carried via EDOTCO’s pole network, demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative, space-efficient infrastructure solutions in meeting rising data demand.
Commenting on the milestone, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Sri Lanka, Mr. Gayan Koralage stated, “This first tower commissioned following the award of our Infrastructure Provider License marks a new phase in our contribution to Sri Lanka’s digital development. Building on our nationwide pole network, we are committed to supporting our MNO customers in expanding connectivity to rural and underserved areas through faster rollouts, cost-efficient deployment, and sustainable infrastructure.”
As Sri Lanka’s telecommunications sector continues to modernize, EDOTCO Sri Lanka remains focused on delivering scalable, shared infrastructure solutions that support national connectivity goals, strengthen network resilience, and powers the country’s digital future.
EDOTCO Sri Lanka is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia-based EDOTCO Group, a regional integrated telecommunications infrastructure services provider in Asia and sixth-largest tower company globally. EDOTCO Sri Lanka is the first neutral host tower company in the county to be awarded an Infrastructure Provider License, marking a key milestone in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s telecommunications ecosystem.
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The event was held with the participation of Mr. Kanchana Welipitiya, Hon. M. P. of Kegalle District, Mr. Jagath Herath, Divisional Secretary of Kegalle District, Mr. R. L. Rajapaksa – Chairman of Galigamuwa Pradesheeya Sabha, Mr. Gayan Koralage – Country Managing Director of Edotco Services Lanka (Private) Limited, representatives of Dialog Axiata PLC and key staff members Edotco.
