Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), actively participated in the high-level Regulators Roundtable at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS Forum 2026), recently concluded at the Palexpo complex in Geneva, Switzerland.

Delivering a key intervention during the session themed "Operationalizing Governance Essentials for Digital Markets," the Director General articulated the progressive regulatory reforms advanced by TRCSL. He emphasized how these measures operationalize the foundational principles of Sri Lanka’s ambitious National Digital Economy Strategy 2030, which envisions a trusted, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.

Director General highlighted that establishing a predictable and investment-enabling environment remains a central priority. He noted that the newly implemented Radio Frequency Spectrum Auction Regulations have significantly enhanced transparency and investor confidence in spectrum assignment. Furthermore, the Telecommunications Infrastructure Sharing Regulations have mitigated duplication of capital expenditure, accelerated connectivity expansion into rural and underserved areas, and optimized cost efficiencies. On the consumer welfare front, the deployment of robust Broadband Quality of Service (QoS) Standard Rules has reinforced operator accountability and elevated user experience.

Addressing sectoral growth and digital trust, he explained that the modernization of the licensing framework through the Provider License Rules, incorporating distinct categories for telecommunications services, infrastructure, and cable landing stations, has unlocked new investment models and facilitated broader market participation.

Additionally, enhanced SIM registration frameworks have been institutionalized to mitigate digital fraud, thereby safeguarding emerging digital identity and digital financial ecosystems. In conclusion, the Director General underscored that effective digital transformation must be institutionally grounded rather than merely technology-driven, demonstrating how Sri Lanka has successfully translated the global GSR-26 Governance Essentials into measurable, data-informed regulatory action.

The global roundtable brought together a distinguished international delegation, including sector Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, international tech policymakers, and global digital governance experts from across various jurisdictions.