The Government has taken urgent steps to introduce new cyber security laws as the threat of cyber-attacks against Sri Lanka continues to increase, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne told Parliament.
Responding to questions raised by New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake under Standing Order 27/2 yesterday, the Deputy Minister said the proposed Cyber Security Act is currently in the draft stage.
He stated that the government expects to enact the new cyber law, along with the proposed “Cyber Crimes Regulatory Authority,” by the end of this year in order to address the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
“The Government acknowledges that cyber security has now become a matter related to national security, economic stability, public trust and digital sovereignty,” Weeraratne said.
He noted that the rapid expansion of digital public services, digital payment systems, identity card systems, cloud infrastructure, and citizen services has increased opportunities for cyber-related crimes in Sri Lanka.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is moving away from a reactive approach and towards a coordinated national cyber resilience strategy through policy reforms, cyber security systems, guidelines, and public awareness initiatives.
He further pointed out that Sri Lanka currently has no legal requirement mandating the reporting of cyber security incidents to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT).
“The proposed Cyber Security Act is currently in the draft stage. The new cyber law and the proposed ‘Cyber Crimes Regulatory Authority’ under it are expected to be enacted by the end of this year,” he added.