A giant leap by SLT to provide WAP for the nation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the launch with Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson - Sri Lanka Telecom PLC, Malraj Balapitiya, Chief Executive Officer SLT Publications (Pvt) Ltd., Ruwan Wijetunga, General Manager (Sales & Marketing).

President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched the revolutionary Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) for all mobile users to access directory information either locally or overseas today. This innovative service was launched at the Temple Trees.

Speaking at the event, the President said that this product is a direct result of his Government's objective of popularizing and providing information via mobile operators to over 13 million citizens across the country.

Chairperson SLT, Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena said that SLT is proud to have been able to fulfil the President's prerogative to make information technology available to the entire nation.

"In addition, we will also donate part of this revenue generated from advertising to the nations' Api Wenuwen Api fund".

WAP is a browser developed to access information through mobiles which is similar to surfing the internet through computers. This one-of-a-kind innovation by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the flagship telecom service provider will unite with other telecom service providers make Directory information available to all mobile phone users. SLT holds the unique position of being the publisher of the National Telephone directory which gives access to the country's most comprehensive information base.

This novel product is available in all three languages. Basic information like government organizations, emergency numbers, and telephone numbers for Schools, Boards, hospitals, garages etc. will be online.

"We are in the process of upgrading our services and hope to provide an even better service in the future by revolutionizing mobile communications and making Directory and Rainbow Pages information exclusively available to mobile users via WAP to the mobile user base of around 13 million people in Sri Lanka," said Malraj Balapitiya, the CEO of SLT Publications (Pvt) Ltd.