Sri Lanka has taken a major step toward strengthening its national cybersecurity framework, as the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) convened its first stakeholder consultation under the Ministry of Digital Economy to discuss the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.
The consultation was chaired by Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Varuna Sri Danapala, and brought together officials from key institutions including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Public Security and Defence, the Attorney General’s Department, Sri Lanka Police, the National Child Protection Authority and the Bribery Commission.
SLCERT stated that the meeting marked an important milestone in advancing Sri Lanka’s cybersecurity agenda through inclusive and informed dialogue among relevant stakeholders.
Senior Counsel Jayantha Fernando presented key technological and legal perspectives, outlining the evolution of international cybercrime frameworks and their implications for Sri Lanka. Senior State Counsel Sehan Soysa of the Attorney General’s Department provided an overview of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and explained how it could be integrated into the country’s existing legal and regulatory structures.
The signing of the Convention by Sri Lanka was highlighted as a landmark achievement reflecting the country’s commitment to building a secure, trusted and resilient digital environment. The move aligns Sri Lanka with internationally recognized standards for preventing, investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.
Acting CEO of SLCERT, Kanishka Karunasena, emphasized that the decision to sign the Convention is firmly grounded in national policy and aligns with the Cabinet-approved Information and Cyber Security Strategy for 2025–2029. He noted that these measures are aimed at enabling the growth of the digital economy while safeguarding citizens, institutions and critical infrastructure.
The consultation also outlined broader government initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity readiness, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s digital ecosystem remains resilient and future-ready amid evolving cyber threats.
SLCERT reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, the private sector, civil society and international partners as Sri Lanka moves toward the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.
