‘MOD ALERTS’ SMS Service launched
November 13, 2019Adding another segment to its services to the country, the Ministry of Defence has added another novel concept in disseminating important news on national security and emergencies to the general public in the form of an SMS alert.
The aptly named, ‘MOD ALERTS’ SMS Service will inform authentic news on national security issues and disaster management emergencies, encompassing the whole country and also news clarifications of national security concern. The new service was launched by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) SHS Kottegoda, WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc, during a ceremony, today (13 November 2019).
This new service, mooted by the Defence Ministry is a long felt need that will not only keep the general public abreast of true information but also be an effective tool to prevent the spread of rumours and dis-information that may lead to panic and public commotion. This new service is another part of the relaunching of the Ministry’s official website, www.defence.lk in late August, this year.
Making the opening remarks, the Coordinating Secretary and Advisor to the Secretary Defence, Mr. Suren Dayaratne explained the purpose of the ‘MOD ALERT’ service and its benefits.
The service is the result of the corporation between the Ministry of Defence, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and all Telecommunications Service Providers.
Sri Lanka Telecom, Dialog Axiata PLC, Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd, Bharti Airtel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Lanka Bell Ltd, have all joined hands with the Ministry of Defence for the operation of the new SMS alert service.
The Secretary Defence presented the heads of the partner telecommunications companies, special mementos as a token of appreciation for their services during the occasion.
The new service will be channeled through the Media Centre of the Ministry of Defence in consultation with the office of the Chief of National Intelligence.
The Military Spokesman and Director of the Media Centre, Major General Sumith Atapattu delivering the vote of thanks, thanked all the partner Service Providers for their unrelenting cooperation and support for a national cause and expressed confidence that this new service will prove to be a success in public information broadcasting.
Senior Ministry officials, Chief of National Intelligence, Military Liaison Officer, TRC representatives, heads of partner Telecom Companies, Tri Forces, Police and Civil Security Department spokesmen were also present at the launching ceremony held at the Ministry Auditorium, this afternoon.
