Page 7 - UDYAMA FINAL final for web

As COVID 19 continues to Though the term “social distanc- Leturer at the Faculty of Manage-
cripple the world, Communica- ing” has, regrettably, become the ment Studies had the opportunity
tion providers have found them- new phrase of 2020, remaining to meet Mr. Nalin Perera, CEO,
selves at the heart of a fast chang- socially connected through virtual SLT Mobitel Limited to talk about
ing world; to help businesses to means has become acute for our the role of MNOs and how Mobi-
safety, sanity and our best efforts
“ their loved ones. Whilst the ing. It is in this backdrop, the role connected during this difficult
continue the day-to-day opera-
tel has positioned itself to facili-
to keep the global economy mov-
tate businesses and people to stay
tions and connect people with
of Mobile Network Operators
industries work around the clock
time.
(MNOs) have become vital to
to navigate through the global
provide the critical infrastructure
pandemic, Mobile Network Oper-
that enables social connectivity in
ators (MNOs) have an essential
a physical distancing world.
role to play by empowering
businesses and people to stay
connected during these unprece-
known researcher and Senior
dented times using cutting-edge
technologies. Dr. Jayantha Dewasiri, a well-
Following are the excerpts of the business sectors, we as MNOs
interview; increased our focus towards pro- Dr. Jayantha Dewasiri
moting digitalization for busin- Senior Lecturer
In your view, what ways can esses and for the public. This Faculty of Management Studies
included equipping and helping
” I believe that there are three key their services through digital me- By encouraging businesses and
Telcos help the world to sail
Sabaragamuwa University of
businesses to embrace digitaliza-
Sri Lanka
through this storm?
tion, enabling them to carry out
areas in which MNOs can help
people to embrace digital chan-
ans and conclude transactions
businesses and people to navigate
nels, telcos have the ability to
using digital payment channels.
through this difficult time.
maintain operations intact and
For instance, digital payment cha-
help businesses and people to live
Connectivity becomes key: It
through the new normal. Be it a
nnels enable businesses & people
is important that businesses and
people remain connected during
veniently facilitate to fulfill their
messaging with friends, video
this difficult time to communicate to top-up their accounts and con- business selling FMCG item,
calling your grandmother, or
needs. With the world is moving
and look after each other. For towards a cashless economy and being able to get money from
businesses, it may be communi- digital payment modes becoming government institutions, mobile
cating their new services or ann- mainstream, adoption of such phones can facilitate all these
ouncing new operation tactics to digital payment channels by busi- needs whilst keeping us healthy
employees and stakeholder whilst nesses and people will not only and sane.
for the general public it’s about help Sri Lanka to stay afloat dur-
caring for their loved ones. At the ing this difficult time but will also Further, with the vast reach and
end of the day connectivity beco- catapult the nation towards a new network infrastructure, telcos
mes crucial to keep the world digital era. have the ability to keep the public
connected especially during chal- informed about health updates,
lenging times such as Covid. Public Health, a top priority. lockdowns from local or national
Caring for people and for their government that ensure people
Keeping the economy, jobs health becomes crucial as surviv- are following public safety guide-
and livelihoods afloat. When al and wellbeing of people beco- lines. If we look at from a broader
operations of the business world me key at this point in time. The point of view, today, telcos have
is interrupted, it has a direct imp- most important thing MNOs can gone beyond their call of duty to
act on a country’s economy, jobs do is to keep people away from not only provide connectivity, but
and people’s livelihoods. Under- public places by providing servic- also gear the world towards
standing the Covid impact on key es at their fingertips. embracing the new digital wave.

January 2021 05