Call charges hike not a burden: Harin

Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando said the increase of call charges due to the hike of Value Added Tax (VAT) will not be a big burden for the public.

Speaking to the BBC Sandeshaya on Sunday he said Sri Lanka was the only country where telecommunication charges are so low compared to other countries such as Singapore. 

“I don’t want to justify the Government’s move to increase the VAT up to 16%, but that decision was taken to overcome the current economic crisis of the country. It was a temporary action and will reduce as soon as possible,” he said.

Criticising the past administration, Fernando claimed the Government was struggling with a huge debt which was left by the ‘Rajapaksa Regime’. 

“I personally do not accept increment of VAT, but it was an essential step to taken,” he noted. 

Fernando added the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure has long term plans to reduce the telecommunication expenses further via introducing new technologies.

“Currently we should pay around Rs. 1.50 per minute for a call within the same network. If we use advanced technologies call charges can be reduced more. I expect to hold discussions with developed countries like United State to obtain aid for technical development,” he noted. 

Fernando said his main intention was to encourage data call usage through Viber and WhatsApp apps under minimum data rates.