The operations of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband services in Sri Lanka have reportedly been suspended until the government ensures its right to secure data or communications information in cases of national security concerns.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) had initially issued a license to Starlink, the satellite division of SpaceX, to provide broadband services in 2024 under the previous administration. This move was facilitated by a new Telecommunications Act passed by the then parliament, marking the first amendment to the relevant law in 28 years. The legislative change aimed to accommodate Starlink’s entry into the Sri Lankan market.
Under the current government, the TRCSL also approved Starlink’s proposed tariff plans, allowing ‘Starlink’ Lanka (Private) Ltd. to offer five broadband packages ranging from Rs. 9,200 to Rs. 1.8 million per month. However, the implementation of these services has now been halted due to national security concerns.
Deputy Minister of Information Technology, Eranga Weeraratne, confirmed to the local media that Starlink services can only proceed once the company ensures the government’s right to legally intercept data or access communications in cases of legal necessity.
“When the license was initially issued, no provision was guaranteed for this facility. There may be instances where Starlink satellite communication services are used by some individuals for illegal activities. In that case, the Sri Lankan security apparatus should have the right to obtain data related to such communication for legal action,” Weeraratne stated.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the new government will not allow the service to operate unless the right to data interception is assured. Discussions on this matter are still in the preliminary stage, involving the Ministry of Defense and the TRCSL in negotiations with Starlink.
