February 28, Colombo (LNW): The government is currently in talks with both local and international stakeholders to develop a sovereign cloud that will safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure, according to high-ranking officials.
This initiative is part of the country’s broader efforts to establish a secure national digital identity, a project that has raised significant concerns over the protection and sovereignty of sensitive data.
Sri Lanka’s push towards a sovereign cloud aims to establish a secure, resilient framework for the country’s data that meets both local and international security standards. Sanjaya Karunasena, the Director of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), revealed that discussions are underway with various qualified players in the sector to create a collaborative approach in setting up the cloud system.
“We are working on a mechanism that will allow all qualified local and international participants to contribute to the development of our sovereign cloud,” Karunasena explained in an interview on Wednesday.
One of the central challenges that the government faces is ensuring the integrity of citizen data, especially as the national digital identity system, which will be based on biometric verification, is rolled out. With personal data security as a top priority, the government is emphasising the need for rigorous testing and safeguards to protect sensitive information.
“The cloud will be a cornerstone of this effort, enabling a reliable and robust system for digital identity management,” Karunasena said, underscoring the importance of having multiple security measures in place before the system can be made publicly available.
In February, plans for a national data exchange were also disclosed, designed to work in conjunction with the sovereign cloud, facilitating the secure and efficient exchange of data across platforms.
These initiatives aim to bring Sri Lanka in line with global best practices in digital infrastructure while maintaining strict control over national data sovereignty.
Addressing the issue of cybersecurity, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, the Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy, highlighted that fundamental security measures must be at the forefront of the national digital strategy. Speaking at the Innovation Island Summit in Colombo, he explained that each type of data demands a tailored approach to risk mitigation.
“Security and control mechanisms must be designed based on a granular understanding of the data in use and the associated risks,” he stated.
Wijesuriya emphasised that the government’s approach would involve multiple layers of security, integrated with systems that prioritise both national safety and the ease of doing business across borders.
The government’s initiative aims to enhance not only citizen services but also foster a more inclusive and interconnected business environment. By leveraging cross-border business-to-business (B2B) interfaces, Sri Lanka hopes to significantly increase trade and regional economic activity, thereby boosting its digital economy.
