Customs probe on SLT consignment

By Bandula Sirimanna

Sri Lanka Customs is investigating an improper importation of a consignment of IPTV equipment worth millions of rupees by SLT Visioncom, a subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom.

The stock of equipment is now lying at the warehouse as customs authorities have not given permission to clear the equipment until the investigation is completed. When contacted, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs S.A.C.S.W Jayathileke said that this was a very complex matter which involves SLT, a local agent and a foreign company. He added that there were serious discrepancies in documents furnished by SLT Visioncom and declined to give further details as it will hamper their investigations.

Sri Lanka Telecom has set up a subsidiary to broadcast IPTV to its broadband customers, SLT sources said. The company plans to invest $1 million in the initial launch of the SLT Visioncom unit. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection.