Sri Lanka to Change its Telecoms Dialing Codes

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka ( T.R.C.S.L ) at a press conference announced plans to modernise its dialing code system to bring it in line with international standards.

T.R.C.S.L. announced that the present telephone numbering plan developed more than 30 years ago, when there were about 100.000 telephone lines in use, has now outlived its life. Sri Lanka presently has approximately 1.8 million telephone lines in use and the demand for new lines are ever increasing. In this scenario the country needs a comprehensive numbering plan that will take into account telephone line requirements and telecom services of the foreseeable future.

The 10 digit numbering plan seeks to create a level playing field for all fixed line and mobile operators, thus stimulating healthy competition. The new number plan will also provide for a vast number resource to meet the future demand.

The new number plan will provide for a uniform 10 digit number across fixed and mobile lines. consisting of a standard 3 digit area code plus a 7 digit subscriber number for fixed lines and a 3 digit operator code plus a 7 digit subscriber number for mobile lines. An important feature would be that all fixed lines (wireless and wireline) would have a geographic identity determined by the area code.

The new number plan will enable the introduction of emerging services like free phone services and make provision for standardized short codes for all operators. E.g. emergency services like Fire, Ambulance and Police etc.

T.R.C.S.L announced that in order to implement the changes smoothly and with the least possible inconvenience to the user, the implementation will be undertaken in stages, commencing June this year. T.R.C.S.L hopes to wrap up the entire project during the course of this year."

Posted to the site on 24th March 2003