On December 18 and 19, 2025, Sri Lanka stepped into the public 5G era with commercial launches by its two major providers: Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel (SLT-Mobitel) and Dialog Axiata PLC.
SLT-Mobitel unveiled its service on December 19 at One Galle Face Mall in Colombo, showcasing high-speed internet, ultra-low latency connectivity, real-time gaming, and immersive AR/VR experiences. "5G will turbocharge data transmission and fuel wider adoption of AI, the Internet of Things, and cloud-based services," said SLT Group Chairman Mothilal De Silva.
Dialog Axiata rolled out Dialog 5G Ultra on December 18, powered by over 220 live 5G sites and serving more than 1.5 million subscribers nationwide. Group CEO Supun Weerasinghe called the launch a defining step toward a more innovative, productive, and inclusive digital economy.
For entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, faster speeds and lower latency open doors to new business models and smart city solutions. Gamers and VR fans can enjoy real-time, lag-free experiences, while travelers and digital nomads visiting Colombo will find seamless connectivity at flagship malls and beyond.
As 5G networks expand across Sri Lanka, experts predict a ripple effect: startups harnessing AI-driven analytics, IoT-driven agriculture, and cloud platforms transforming education and healthcare. With these deployments, Sri Lanka joins a growing list of nations leveraging 5G to bridge digital divides and foster sustainable growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
