EDOTCO secures first independent tower licence in Sri Lanka

EDOTCO Group has become the first independent tower company licenced to operate in Sri Lanka, marking a historic step in the country’s telecommunications sector.

- By Divva Totawatte

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, EDOTCO is among the world’s six largest tower companies, managing more than 54,000 towers across eight Asian markets, and carrying approximately 2% of global mobile traffic.

Since entering Sri Lanka in 2015, the company has invested over $ 20 million to build 750 sites, working with all major operators and more than 300 municipal councils. The newly awarded licence from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is expected to accelerate network expansion, promote infrastructure sharing, and unlock sustainable investment.

In conversation with Daily FT, EDOTCO Sri Lanka Country Managing Director Gayan Koralage, and EDOTCO Group Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance Datin Azzahraa Annuar, shared why this development is a turning point for Sri Lanka’s digital future.

In response to why is this licence a milestone for Sri Lanka, Gayan said: “Recent amendments to the Telecom Act and regulations have allowed independent tower companies to operate under TRCSL. We are proud to have secured the telecom tower licence — and being the first to be awarded is a recognition of confidence.”

“Sri Lanka is at a turning point in its economic recovery following the IMF program. The amendments to the Act and the introduction of this licence represents a pivotal shift in how telecommunications infrastructure is governed, signalling regulatory clarity and policy maturity. For investors and operators, it provides the certainty needed to scale sustainably and invest with confidence.”