SLT demands its “Pound of flesh”

I went to the Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) branch in Nugegoda on March 21 at 10 am to disconnect my family member’s SLT landline (2802943) which was installed over 55 years ago.

I took the router and poetv box plus, remote controllers and some connecting short cords.

I was sent to the 1st floor to waste my time for 25 minutes to listen to a marketing lecture.

Next I went to a female counter clerk who tried to put me off saying four connecting cords were missing. Finally, she said I have to pay for these as damages. Mind you this is after using the phone and paying bills for the past 55-plus years. This was pointed out by me but was disregarded point blank. She did not even bother to consult the manager.

For the four connecting cords I paid Rs. 1770 and Rs.1640 for the March bill which I think is for a 30-day rental bill (no units consumed).

Is it ethical for SLT to charge Rs. 1770 as damages after using a phone for over 55 years? What about usage, wear and tear during the years? Couldn’t they use their common sense and waive the charges for the four cords? They will clean/ polish and resell the used items to new customers as new items.

In comparison, recently I lost the Dialog TV control box and the remote controller due to home shifting. Dialog provided me with a new box and a new remote free within three days having sent only one e-mail to the company. When I thanked them for the favour, they said it was not a favour but it is the commitment and service of Dialog to customers.

SLT should take a leaf from Dialog’s service book and refund our money charged as damages.