SLT-Mobitel has achieved a significant milestone with the successful landing of the SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6) submarine cable in Matara on 29 December 2024, marking a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The SEA-ME-WE 6 system, which spans 21,700 km from Singapore to France through critical points in Asia and the Middle East, is set to become operational by mid-2026. Built with cutting-edge fibre optic technology, the cable provides 130 Tbps of high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The landing in Matara was a collaborative effort between SLT-Mobitel and Subcom LLC, USA, under the SEA-ME-WE 6 Consortium. Sri Lanka Telecom PLC serves as the consortium’s legal signatory, solidifying the nation’s role in global connectivity.
Key SLT-Mobitel officials, including Chief Operating Officer Prabhath Ambegoda, General Manager – Projects Nalaka Siriwardhana, General Manager – Transport Networks Buddhi Manage, and Deputy General Manager – Network Infrastructure Projects Rohan Ashton, oversaw the landing operation.
This development enhances SLT-Mobitel’s portfolio of global connectivity, complementing existing infrastructure such as SEA-ME-WE 4 and 5, as well as the Bharat-Lanka and Dhiraagu cables. The company noted the retirement of SEA-ME-WE 3, marking a shift to more advanced systems.
Environmental sustainability played a critical role in the project. The landing route was selected after thorough environmental assessments and strict adherence to marine protection policies. SLT-Mobitel collaborated with Government departments and local authorities to ensure minimal environmental impact by utilizing existing infrastructure for connecting the submarine cable to the Matara station.
The integration of SEA-ME-WE 6 significantly strengthens Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure, meeting increasing connectivity demands across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. It also positions the country as a strategic hub in global telecommunications while boosting its digital economy capabilities.
This strategic development reflects SLT-Mobitel’s ongoing commitment to delivering superior global connectivity services and addressing the growing needs of customers in an interconnected world.