Mobitel launches Aachaara for migrant workers

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, in keeping with the Government's policy of recognising the important contribution to the nation by the country's migrant workers, has introduced a special prepaid package for them titled 'Aachaara' - Greetings. The National Mobile Services Provider, Mobitel will offer SIM cards free of charge at the air port Mobitel counters, loaded with SMS and talk time on credit basis to all migrant workers, enabling them to communicate with their loved ones at home immediately after coming back to the motherland.

The first Mobitel Aachaara prepaid SIM was presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to Sajith Gunerathne, and First Lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa presented the second Aachaara SIM to Nilanthi Karunarathne, two overseas employed Sri Lankans, at a ceremony at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Aachaara, an exclusive prepaid package recognizes the continuing and significant contribution by migrant workers abroad towards the country's economy and development. The Aachaara prepaid package entitles users to Rs. 50 worth of credit talk time on local calls, local SMS, local GPRS and SMS Roaming, valid for 90 days.

All overseas employed citizens returning to Sri Lanka or leaving Sri Lanka can now collect their Mobitel Aachaara SIM card, by producing their passport at any of the three Mobitel outlets located in the arrival, departure or transit lounges at the Bandaranaike International Airport, at any Mobitel branch or any Mobitel authorized dealer. As the National Mobile Services Provider, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel aims at the 'Aachaara' prepaid package to facilitate the mobile communication needs of its users, enabling immediate contact with their family and friends upon arrival at the country of employment abroad or their return to the motherland. Beyond their stay in Sri Lanka, the 'Aachaara' prepaid SIM comes with pre-activated roaming and IDD facilities.

Further, once the credit bundle has been exceeded, the connection can be reloaded either from a reload centre in Sri Lanka or at any Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel agency outlets overseas. Roaming rates can be obtained by dialling #787# while abroad. Speaking at the launch, Lalith De Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Mobitel said, "I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, for gracing this very special occasion and presenting the first 'Aachaara' SIM cards to representatives of the foreign-employed community, as an endorsement of this initiative.

In keeping with the government's policy of appreciating the role of migrant workers of Sri Lanka, Mobitel is proud to offer the 'Aachaara' special package to all migrant workers enabling them to communicate with their loved ones." "It gives us great pleasure to recognise and reward the invaluable services that migrant workers abroad render to the country, with their valuable remittances to build the country's foreign currency reserves," he said.