Sri Lanka SMS Pricing Guide: Compare Costs & API Providers

Choose the right SMS solution for your business with our comprehensive Sri Lanka SMS pricing comparison. This guide compares international SMS API providers like Twilio ($0.3962/SMS), Plivo, Sinch, and Infobip with local telecommunication carriers including Dialog Axiata (LKR 0.50), Mobitel, and Hutch. Get verified 2025 rates, understand TRCSL regulations, and optimize your messaging costs.

Last Updated: October 2025. SMS pricing changes frequently – verify current rates with providers before implementation.

SMS Provider Options in Sri Lanka: International vs. Local

Sri Lanka's SMS market offers two primary options: international API providers and local telecommunication carriers. Each suits different business needs and budgets.

International SMS API Providers

These providers offer robust APIs, global reach, and advanced features. They suit businesses with international communication needs or sophisticated integrations. Their per-message costs exceed local carriers.

SLA and Delivery Performance:

• Twilio: 99.99% API uptime SLA; standard throughput 10 MPS (messages per second) for international destinations, up to 100 MPS with short codes [Source: Twilio Documentation, 2025]
• Sinch: 99.95% service availability SLA; internal latency <10 seconds for 90% of traffic; handset latency <30 seconds for 90% of traffic; 800+ direct carrier connections globally [Source: Sinch SLA v7.0, January 2024]
• Plivo: 99.99% API uptime; throughput 0.25 – 100 MPS depending on configuration; competitive delivery rates in South Asian markets [Source: Industry comparisons, 2024 – 2025]
• Infobip: 98% SMS open rates; enterprise-grade reliability with regional presence; custom SLAs available for enterprise accounts [Source: Infobip, 2025]

Key Considerations for International Providers:

• API Integration: Automate SMS workflows and integrate with your existing systems. Evaluate API documentation and available SDKs (Software Development Kits). All major providers offer REST APIs with comprehensive SDKs for Java, PHP, Node.js, Python, Ruby, and .NET.
• Global Reach: If you communicate with customers outside Sri Lanka, verify the provider's international coverage and pricing.
• Scalability: Ensure the provider handles your current and future messaging volume needs with flexible pricing tiers.
• Compliance: Verify provider compliance with Sri Lankan regulations, including sender ID registration and content restrictions. Pre-register alphanumeric sender IDs for reliable delivery and brand identity. Twilio requires pre-registration and enforces message content restrictions for certain networks. Telnyx mandates alphanumeric sender ID registration and adherence to their Acceptable Use Policy. Vonage outlines specific sender ID requirements for different networks within Sri Lanka.

Local Telecommunication Providers

Local carriers offer competitive pricing for domestic messaging – a cost-effective choice for businesses focused on the Sri Lankan market. They lack the advanced features and global reach of international API providers.

Note: Pricing below reflects consumer prepaid SMS rates. Business bulk SMS pricing and API access typically require direct negotiation with carriers.

• Dialog Axiata: LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee) 0.50 per SMS (prepaid) – Sri Lanka's largest mobile network operator [Source: Dialog Axiata]
  • API Availability: Dialog eSMS platform provides web-based and mobile app interfaces for bulk SMS. API access available through business solutions team with support for masking (sender ID), delivery reports, scheduling, and multi-language support [Source: Dialog eSMS, 2025]
  • Technical Capabilities: 24/7 service, maximum 11 characters for alphanumeric masking, maximum 5 masks per company, long message support, promotional messages blocked 8 PM – 8 AM per TRCSL regulations
• Mobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom): LKR 0.50 – 1.00 per SMS (prepaid) [Source: Mobitel]
  • API Availability: eSMS platform for business bulk messaging; API access requires direct negotiation. Offers similar features to Dialog including delivery reports and scheduling
• Hutch Sri Lanka (Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka): From LKR 0.25 per SMS (promotional) [Source: Hutch]
  • API Availability: Business SMS gateway available; contact business solutions team for API documentation and integration support
• Airtel Sri Lanka: Competitive prepaid rates (contact for current pricing)
  • API Availability: Business messaging solutions available; API capabilities require direct inquiry

All telecommunications operators in Sri Lanka operate under the regulatory oversight of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), which sets standards for pricing, service quality, and compliance. [Source: TRCSL Official Website]

Key Considerations for Local Providers:

• Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans: Prepaid offers flexibility, while postpaid plans provide bundled discounts for voice, data, and SMS.
• Promotional Packages: Look for special offers and discounts, especially for bulk SMS.
• Network Coverage: Choose a carrier with strong network coverage in the areas where your customers are located.
• Business Solutions: Inquire about dedicated business solutions for high-volume messaging or specialized needs.

Detailed SMS API Provider Comparison

Twilio

• Pricing: $0.3962 per SMS (outbound to Sri Lanka via international numbers). Inbound SMS pricing not available for Sri Lanka. [Source: Twilio SMS Pricing Sri Lanka, verified October 2025]
• Phone Number Availability: International numbers start at $1.15/month. Local Sri Lankan numbers have limited availability and capabilities.
• Strengths: Excellent API documentation, global reach, and robust infrastructure. Supports international numbers for sending SMS to Sri Lanka. Comprehensive SDKs available for Java, PHP, Node.js, .NET Core, Python, and Ruby.
• API Rate Limits:
  • Standard throughput: 10 MPS for international destinations
  • Queue capacity: Up to 10 hours of message segments (360,000 segments at 10 MPS)
  • Short codes: 100 MPS with 3.6 million segment queue capacity
  • Inbound messages: 500 MPS per destination
  • REST API: Subject to account concurrency limits; exceeding limits results in HTTP 429 errors [Source: Twilio Rate Limits Documentation, 2025]
• Technical Limitations:
  • Two-way SMS is not fully supported for Sri Lankan destinations
  • Sending to landlines is prohibited
  • Concatenated messages (long SMS) are supported, but limitations exist depending on the sender ID type
  • Pre-registration of alphanumeric sender IDs is essential for delivery
  • Certain networks (e.g., Mobitel) restrict content to OTP (One-Time Password), OTT (Over-The-Top), and transactional traffic only
• Considerations: Higher cost compared to other providers. Restrictions on message content and sender ID usage on certain Sri Lankan networks. Comply with both Twilio's Acceptable Use Policy and local TRCSL regulations.

Plivo

• Pricing: Public pricing not available; contact Plivo for Sri Lanka-specific rates. Pricing varies by volume and use case.
• Strengths: User-friendly API, competitive pricing, and flexible integration options. Strong delivery rates in South Asian markets. 24/7 premium customer support and GDPR compliance.
• API Capabilities: 99.99% API uptime; throughput ranges from 0.25 – 100 MPS depending on account configuration; supports concatenated messages up to 1,600 characters; comprehensive SDK support
• Considerations: Verify delivery rates align with your requirements. Confirm sender ID registration requirements and local compliance support.

Sinch

• Pricing: Contact for Sri Lanka-specific pricing. Volume-based discounts available for enterprise customers.
• Strengths: Comprehensive messaging suite (SMS, MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service, RCS – Rich Communication Services, WhatsApp), strong delivery guarantees, and global carrier relationships including direct connections to Sri Lankan operators. 800+ direct telco connections worldwide deliver high reliability.
• SLA Details: 99.95% service availability; internal SMS latency <10 seconds for 90% of traffic; handset delivery latency <30 seconds for 90% of traffic; 24/7 helpdesk support with 30-minute P1 response time [Source: Sinch SLA v7.0, January 2024]
• API Capabilities: Throughput 1 – 75 MPS; supports concatenated messages up to 2,000 characters; comprehensive error handling and delivery receipts
• Considerations: Some features may be redundant for basic SMS usage. Enterprise-focused pricing may not suit small-volume senders.

Infobip

• Pricing: Custom pricing based on volume and requirements. Known for competitive rates in Asian markets with local presence in the region.
• Strengths: Cost-effective among international providers. Rich messaging features including omnichannel capabilities (SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, RCS). Regional presence supports Asia-Pacific markets. Comprehensive compliance support for local regulations. 98% SMS open rates.
• API Capabilities: Enterprise-grade reliability with custom SLAs for high-volume accounts; comprehensive API with delivery tracking, webhooks, and analytics; regional presence ensures better latency and support for Sri Lankan market
• Considerations: Assess API ease of use and integration with your systems. Local presence provides better support for TRCSL compliance requirements.

What Affects SMS Pricing in Sri Lanka?

Several factors contribute to the final cost of SMS services:

• Geographic Considerations: Domestic messages cost less than international ones. Cross-border messaging involves additional routing costs and regulatory complexities.
• Volume-Based Pricing: Most providers offer tiered pricing – lower per-message costs for higher volumes. Negotiate volume discounts and explore different billing models (pay-as-you-go, subscription plans, hybrid options, enterprise agreements).
• Regulatory Environment: The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is the statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry in Sri Lanka. TRCSL sets regulations that impact SMS pricing, service quality standards, and usage policies. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all operators and service providers. [Source: TRCSL Official Website]
  • Sender ID Registration: All commercial SMS senders must register their sender IDs with TRCSL-approved processes through local operators
  • Content Restrictions: Certain content categories require pre-approval or are restricted (gambling, adult content, etc.)
  • Spam Prevention: TRCSL enforces anti-spam regulations; unsolicited commercial messages must comply with opt-in/opt-out requirements
  • Quality of Service (QoS): TRCSL mandates minimum service standards for SMS delivery rates and latency

How to Choose the Right SMS Provider for Your Business

Enterprise Users

• Prioritize API integration and scalability.
• Evaluate global reach and service level agreements (SLAs – Service Level Agreements).
• Negotiate volume-based discounts and custom pricing.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

• Compare costs between local and international providers.
• Assess your messaging volume needs and choose a suitable pricing plan.
• Consider hybrid solutions combining local and international providers for optimal cost-effectiveness.

Currency and Payment Considerations

When comparing SMS pricing between local Sri Lankan carriers and international API providers, consider these factors:

Exchange Rate Context

• Local Carriers: Pricing in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Domestic businesses pay in local currency, avoiding foreign exchange exposure.
• International Providers: Pricing typically in US Dollars (USD – United States Dollar). Exchange rate fluctuations can impact effective costs for Sri Lankan businesses.
• Approximate Conversion (October 2025): 1 USD ≈ 300 – 310 LKR (rates fluctuate – verify current rates before cost comparisons)

Payment Methods

• International API Providers: Typically require international payment methods (credit cards, wire transfers, PayPal). Some providers may accept local payment methods for enterprise accounts with regional offices.
• Local Carriers: Accept local payment methods including bank transfers, mobile money (mCash, Dialog eZ Cash), and local credit/debit cards.

Cost Comparison Example

Price comparison:

• Twilio: $0.3962 per SMS = approximately LKR 119 – 123 per message (at current exchange rates)
• Local Carriers: LKR 0.25 – 1.00 per SMS (consumer rates; business rates may vary)

Note: This comparison uses consumer prepaid rates for local carriers. Business bulk SMS agreements with local operators may offer significantly different pricing structures. Always request formal quotations for accurate business pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to send SMS in Sri Lanka?

SMS costs in Sri Lanka vary significantly by provider. International API providers like Twilio charge $0.3962 per SMS (approximately LKR 119 – 123), while local carriers like Dialog Axiata, Mobitel, and Hutch offer consumer rates from LKR 0.25 – 1.00 per SMS. Business bulk SMS pricing requires direct negotiation and offers lower per-message rates for high volumes. Verify current pricing with your chosen provider before implementation.

What is the best SMS API provider for Sri Lanka?

The best SMS API provider depends on your specific needs. Choose Twilio for robust global infrastructure and comprehensive documentation, Sinch for enterprise-grade omnichannel messaging (SMS, WhatsApp, RCS), Infobip for cost-effective rates with local Asia-Pacific presence, or Plivo for user-friendly integration. For domestic-only messaging, Dialog Axiata, Mobitel, or Hutch offer competitive rates but may lack advanced API features. Evaluate based on your volume, international requirements, and technical integration needs.

How do I register a sender ID with TRCSL in Sri Lanka?

For International Providers (Twilio, Sinch, Infobip):

1. Submit sender ID registration request through your provider's platform
2. Provide required documentation:
   • Letter of Authorization on company letterhead
   • Company name and address
   • Alphanumeric sender ID requested (3 – 11 characters)
   • Sender ID description and use case
   • Sample message template
   • Authorized signatory name, title, and signature
   • Company stamp
3. Processing time: approximately 3 – 4 weeks
4. No registration fees for most providers

For Local Carriers (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch):

1. Contact the carrier's business solutions team directly
2. Submit Business Registration (BR) certificate
3. Specify sender ID (mask) and use case
4. Complete carrier-specific application forms
5. Await approval (typically 3 – 7 business days)

Note: All sender IDs must be relevant to your business and approved by TRCSL through local operators. Maximum 5 sender IDs (masks) typically allowed per company. [Sources: Twilio Help Center, AWS SMS Documentation, Telnyx Support, 2024 – 2025]

What are TRCSL regulations for bulk SMS in Sri Lanka?

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) mandates several requirements: (1) Sender ID registration with TRCSL-approved processes, (2) Content restrictions on gambling, adult content, and other regulated categories, (3) Opt-in/opt-out mechanisms for marketing messages (anti-spam compliance), (4) Quality of Service standards for delivery rates and latency, (5) Data protection compliance, and (6) Time restrictions – promotional messages blocked from 8 PM to 8 AM daily. Non-compliance can result in message blocking, sender ID revocation, and regulatory penalties including fines.

Can I use Twilio to send SMS to Sri Lankan phone numbers?

Yes, Twilio supports sending SMS to Sri Lankan phone numbers at $0.3962 per outbound message via international numbers. However, note these limitations: two-way SMS is not fully supported for Sri Lankan destinations, sending to landlines is prohibited, and certain networks (e.g., Mobitel) restrict content to OTP, OTT, and transactional traffic only. Pre-register alphanumeric sender IDs (3-week process) and ensure compliance with both Twilio's Acceptable Use Policy and TRCSL regulations.

What is the difference between Dialog Axiata and Mobitel for business SMS?

Dialog Axiata is Sri Lanka's largest mobile network operator with the widest coverage, offering prepaid rates from LKR 0.50 per SMS. Mobitel (Sri Lanka Telecom) charges LKR 0.50 – 1.00 per SMS for prepaid services. Both require direct negotiation for business bulk SMS agreements and API access. Dialog typically offers better nationwide coverage, while Mobitel provides competitive bundled plans combining voice, data, and SMS. Both offer eSMS platforms with delivery reports, scheduling, and multi-language support. Request formal quotations from both to compare business pricing.

How do exchange rates affect SMS pricing in Sri Lanka?

International API providers price in USD, exposing Sri Lankan businesses to exchange rate fluctuations. With 1 USD ≈ 300 – 310 LKR (October 2025), Twilio's $0.3962 per SMS costs approximately LKR 119 – 123. If the rupee weakens, your effective cost increases. Local carriers price in LKR, eliminating currency risk for domestic businesses. For international providers, consider forward contracts or hedging strategies to stabilize high-volume costs.

What is the minimum volume required for bulk SMS discounts?

Volume discount thresholds vary by provider. International API providers like Twilio, Sinch, and Infobip typically offer tiered pricing starting at 10,000 – 50,000 messages per month, with deeper discounts at 100,000+ messages. Enterprise agreements for 1 million+ messages provide custom pricing. Local carriers (Dialog Axiata, Mobitel, Hutch) negotiate bulk SMS agreements individually – contact their business solutions teams directly. Request formal quotations specifying your expected monthly volume.

Are there SMS character limits in Sri Lanka?

Standard SMS supports 160 characters per message using GSM-7 encoding, or 70 characters for Unicode (required for Sinhala, Tamil, or emojis). Longer messages split into multiple segments (concatenated messages), with each segment billed separately. Most international providers support concatenation automatically (Twilio: standard 160/segment, Plivo: up to 1,600 chars, Sinch: up to 2,000 chars, Vonage: up to 3,200 chars). Certain Sri Lankan networks have specific limitations on sender ID types and concatenated messages – verify with your provider before sending long-form content. Learn more about E.164 phone number formatting for proper Sri Lankan number formatting.

How do I choose between local carriers and international API providers?

Choose international API providers (Twilio, Sinch, Plivo, Infobip) if you need: robust API integration, global messaging reach, advanced features (delivery tracking, webhooks, SDKs), enterprise-grade SLAs (99.95 – 99.99% uptime), high throughput (10 – 100 MPS), or sophisticated automation. Choose local carriers (Dialog Axiata, Mobitel, Hutch) if you need: cost-effective domestic messaging (LKR 0.25 – 1.00 vs. LKR 119 – 123), local currency pricing (LKR), simpler setup for low-volume needs, established local support, or basic bulk SMS without complex integrations. Consider hybrid solutions combining both for optimal cost-effectiveness and feature coverage.

Troubleshooting Common SMS Delivery Issues

Even with proper setup, SMS delivery issues can occur. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

Invalid or Blocked Numbers

Symptoms: Messages show "Failed" or "Not Delivered" status

Common Causes:

• Phone number formatted incorrectly (use E.164 format: +94XXXXXXXXX)
• Number deactivated or out of service
• Attempting to send to landlines (prohibited in Sri Lanka)
• Recipient has blocked your sender ID

Solutions:

• Validate numbers before sending using phone lookup services
• Ensure proper E.164 formatting with +94 country code
• Remove landline numbers from contact lists
• Maintain suppression list for blocked/opted-out numbers

Carrier Filtering and Spam Detection

Symptoms: Messages silently dropped or filtered without delivery confirmation

Common Causes:

• Spammy language (excessive CAPS, "FREE", "WIN NOW", multiple exclamation marks)
• Public URL shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl) flagged as suspicious
• Repetitive identical messages to large lists
• Unregistered or suspicious sender IDs

Solutions:

• Use registered, approved sender IDs consistently
• Personalize message content and vary phrasing
• Use branded short links (yourbrand.com/offer) instead of public shorteners
• Limit promotional language; write conversational messages
• Register sender IDs with TRCSL-approved processes

Network and Coverage Issues

Symptoms: Sporadic delivery failures in specific regions

Common Causes:

• Poor network coverage in recipient's location
• Recipient's phone powered off or in airplane mode
• Network congestion during peak hours
• Carrier-level outages

Solutions:

• Monitor delivery patterns by carrier and region
• Contact your SMS provider if you see clustered failures
• Implement retry logic with exponential backoff for failed messages
• Consider sending during off-peak hours (9 AM – 5 PM local time)

Compliance Violations

Symptoms: Messages rejected or sender ID blocked

Common Causes:

• Sending to opt-out list contacts
• Content violates TRCSL restrictions (gambling, adult content)
• Promotional messages sent during blocked hours (8 PM – 8 AM)
• Unauthorized use of sender IDs

Solutions:

• Implement real-time opt-out processing (honor STOP within 24 hours)
• Review content against TRCSL content restrictions before campaigns
• Schedule promotional messages only during allowed hours (8 AM – 8 PM)
• Use only TRCSL-approved sender IDs registered to your business

Rate Limiting and Throughput Issues

Symptoms: Messages queued for extended periods; HTTP 429 errors

Common Causes:

• Exceeding provider's API rate limits
• Insufficient throughput for message volume
• Account concurrency limits reached

Solutions:

• Check your provider's MPS limits (Twilio: 10 MPS standard, Sinch: 30 MPS, Plivo: 50 MPS)
• Implement message queuing systems (Redis, RabbitMQ) for high-volume sending
• Request throughput increases from provider for enterprise accounts
• Use multiple sender numbers to distribute load (if business justification exists)

Device and Storage Issues

Symptoms: Messages show "Delivered" but recipient reports not receiving

Common Causes:

• Recipient's phone storage full (inbox capacity exceeded)
• Older devices with limited SMS storage
• Device powered off for extended period (message expired)

Solutions:

• Messages typically expire after 24 – 48 hours if device unreachable
• Consider alternative channels (WhatsApp, email) for critical messages
• Request delivery receipts to confirm actual device delivery
• For persistent issues, ask recipients to clear message storage

Best Practices for Troubleshooting:

• Enable comprehensive logging for all message attempts
• Monitor delivery rates by carrier, region, and time of day
• Set up automated alerts for delivery rate drops below 95%
• Store delivery receipts and error codes for pattern analysis
• Test across all major Sri Lankan carriers (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch) before large campaigns

[Sources: TextMagic SMS Error Guide, Vonage SMS Delivery Best Practices, Messente Delivery Troubleshooting, 2025]

Conclusion

Navigate the Sri Lankan SMS market strategically. Understand provider options, pricing structures, regulatory landscape, and common troubleshooting issues to optimize messaging costs and maximize reach.

Key Takeaways

• International API Providers: Offer advanced features, global reach, and robust APIs with 99.95 – 99.99% uptime SLAs, but at higher per-message costs (starting from $0.3962/SMS). Best for businesses requiring sophisticated integrations, international messaging, or enterprise-grade reliability.
• Local Carriers: Provide competitive domestic rates (LKR 0.25 – 1.00 for prepaid consumer plans) with basic API capabilities through eSMS platforms. Best for domestic-focused businesses seeking cost efficiency and local currency pricing.
• Regulatory Compliance: All SMS operations in Sri Lanka must comply with TRCSL regulations, including sender ID registration (3 – 4 weeks processing), content restrictions, anti-spam requirements, and promotional message time limits (8 AM – 8 PM only).
• Pricing Volatility: Review pricing and promotions regularly – rates change frequently. Verify current rates with providers before implementation, especially when comparing USD-based international providers against LKR-based local carriers due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Pre-Implementation Compliance Checklist

Before launching SMS operations in Sri Lanka, ensure:

• Sender ID registration completed with your chosen provider(s) and approved by local operators
• Message content reviewed for compliance with TRCSL content restrictions
• Opt-in/opt-out mechanisms implemented for marketing messages (anti-spam compliance)
• Data protection and privacy policies aligned with Sri Lankan regulations
• Delivery rate and latency requirements meet TRCSL QoS (Quality of Service) standards
• Payment methods and currency arrangements confirmed with international providers (if applicable)
• Volume requirements and pricing tiers negotiated and documented
• Technical limitations understood (two-way SMS, landline restrictions, message concatenation)
• API rate limits and throughput capacity verified for expected volume
• Error handling and retry logic implemented for delivery failures

Next Steps

1. Assess Your Requirements: Define your messaging volume, use case (transactional, marketing, OTP), geographic scope, and technical integration needs.
2. Request Formal Quotations: Contact providers directly for current business pricing based on your specific requirements.
3. Verify Regulatory Compliance: Review TRCSL requirements at https://www.trc.gov.lk and ensure your chosen provider supports local compliance.
4. Test Delivery Rates: Before committing to high volumes, conduct pilot tests to verify delivery rates, latency, and message quality with your target audience across all major carriers.
5. Monitor and Optimize: Continuously track delivery metrics, costs, and customer engagement to optimize your SMS strategy.

Remember: Prioritize compliance with TRCSL regulations, especially regarding sender ID registration and content restrictions, to ensure reliable message delivery and avoid regulatory penalties.