By: Staff Writer

July 17, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to strengthen its digital defenses and improve cybersecurity readiness, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a second five-year National Cyber Protection Strategy spanning from 2025 to 2029. The strategy is a continuation and upgrade of the country’s first national cybersecurity initiative that concluded in 2023, signaling a renewed focus on safeguarding the nation’s critical digital infrastructure in an era of growing cyber threats.

The new strategy, developed by the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), was formulated with technical and policy support from the World Bank. It aims to reinforce the legal and regulatory frameworks while enhancing preparedness and resilience across Sri Lanka’s civilian digital systems. The strategy focuses on six core thematic areas: legal and regulatory reforms, knowledge enhancement, cyber readiness, incident response capabilities, and international and domestic cooperation.

The original 2018-2023 Cyber Protection Strategy, introduced during the previous administration, laid the foundation for a coordinated national approach to cybersecurity. It marked the first formal attempt by the government to address rising cybercrime, data breaches, and digital threats across public and private sectors. That initiative focused on creating awareness, establishing early technical standards, and initiating capacity-building programs, especially for public sector institutions.

Under the former regime, Sri Lanka CERT played a pivotal role in establishing guidelines for cyber hygiene, handling threat reports, and developing national policies aligned with global practices. However, experts noted that while significant groundwork was done, the fast-paced evolution of digital threats necessitated a broader and more adaptive framework.

The newly approved 2025–2029 strategy builds on that foundation, taking into account recent developments in digital finance, cloud technologies, AI, and geopolitical cyber risks. One of the major shifts in the current strategy is the enhanced emphasis on legal modernization, reflecting the urgent need to update outdated laws and introduce new regulations to deal with evolving cybercrime trends, including data theft, ransomware, and digital espionage.

Further, the strategy focuses on improving coordination among state institutions and enhancing public-private partnerships to foster collective resilience. It also stresses on developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce and improving knowledge dissemination through education and awareness campaigns.

Notably, the new plan continues to prioritize the protection of civilian cyberspace, deliberately excluding military or intelligence-focused domains. Officials say this civilian-focused approach will ensure transparency, inclusivity, and wider public trust in cybersecurity initiatives.

As Sri Lanka accelerates its digital transformation, this comprehensive strategy is expected to play a crucial role in protecting national data assets, ensuring secure online services, and promoting digital trust among citizens and global stakeholders.

By: Staff Writer

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s vital coconut industry faces a major crisis following the United States’ decision to impose a 30% import tariff on coconut-based products from the island nation, effective August 1.

The move threatens the survival of a sector that brings in over $857 million in annual export revenue and supports the livelihoods of more than 800,000 Sri Lankans, including smallholder farmers and factory workers. Industry leaders warn that the steep tariff could cripple exports, push down domestic prices, and trigger broader economic fallout.

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), in an urgent appeal to the Government, called the US decision a “devastating blow” to one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable and labor-intensive industries. The US is the single largest buyer of Sri Lankan coconut-based goods, accounting for more than 20% of exports valued at approximately $160 million annually.

“This isn’t just a policy change—it’s an existential threat to an entire sector,” said CCCI Chairman Jayantha Samarakoon. “Even though the original proposed tariff was 44%, the revised 30% is still enough to wipe out our competitive edge. Sri Lanka cannot compete when countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and India enjoy preferential access to the US market.”

The impact of the tariff goes well beyond trade figures. It endangers over 150,000 direct jobs in coconut processing and manufacturing and could drive down farm gate prices as unsold stock floods the local market. This would severely affect rural communities already burdened by inflation, high input costs, and climate-related disruptions.

Products affected by the new tariff include desiccated coconut, virgin and refined coconut oil, coconut milk and cream, coconut water, coir-based items, activated carbon, and growing media made from coconut husks. Many of these are high-value niche exports that Sri Lanka pioneered, earning a global reputation for quality and sustainability.

In response, the CCCI has urged the Government to urgently engage with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to seek relief, exemptions, or renegotiated access terms. The Chamber also called for fast-tracked efforts to secure bilateral trade agreements and implement targeted support measures for exporters to weather the immediate storm.

Samarakoon emphasized that this issue must be treated as a national priority. “If we fail to act, not only will we lose export revenue and rural income, but we risk undermining investor confidence in a sector that has shown consistent growth and potential. This could derail efforts under the IMF reform program to position Sri Lanka as a competitive global sourcing destination.”

Without swift action, stakeholders warn that the industry could see capital flight, with some manufacturers considering relocating operations to countries with better market access—taking jobs, investment, and growth potential out of Sri Lanka.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Celebrated Indian film icon Shah Rukh Khan will no longer be making an appearance at the highly anticipated launch of the “City of Dreams Sri Lanka” project, originally scheduled for early August in Colombo.

The news comes as a disappointment to many, who had been expecting Khan’s visit, which was about to mark the star’s return to the island nation after two decades.

The grand unveiling of the luxury entertainment complex, which includes Colombo’s newest casino development, was slated for August 02. Khan had been confirmed as a guest of honour, with his presence intended to elevate the international profile of the occasion.

However, sources close to the organisers have now confirmed that the actor will not be attending, citing unavoidable personal obligations.

Despite the absence of the Bollywood superstar, organisers have reassured the public that the event will proceed with the same level of grandeur. Plans are in place to feature a blend of local cultural showcases and international entertainment acts, maintaining the prestige and celebratory atmosphere originally intended for the launch. Additional details, including the names of other high-profile attendees and performers, are expected to be announced shortly.

Though Shah Rukh Khan’s absence will be felt, organisers remain optimistic that the occasion will deliver an unforgettable experience for guests and the wider public.

July 17, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is engaged in high-level negotiations with the United States over a potential trade arrangement that could see a substantial majority of its exports entering the American market duty-free.

According to Deputy Minister of Economic Development Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, the United States has extended a preliminary offer to waive import tariffs on approximately 70 to 80 per cent of goods currently exported from Sri Lanka.

The offer forms part of ongoing bilateral discussions aimed at recalibrating trade relations in the wake of shifting U.S. trade policy, particularly following Washington’s move to reassess trade balances with various countries under a more protectionist framework introduced earlier this year.

Speaking during a televised policy segment aired on today (17), Professor Fernando revealed that a provisional list comprising over 1,100 product lines—ranging from garments, which are one of Sri Lanka’s main exports, to 42 agricultural items—has been identified for potential duty exemption.

He noted, however, that the finer details of the proposed agreement remain confidential, given the sensitive nature of diplomatic and technical negotiations. “These matters involve not just economics, but diplomacy and strategic planning. Until a formal understanding is reached, we must maintain discretion,” the Deputy Minister said.

Professor Fernando also indicated that the Sri Lankan side is exploring the possibility of reciprocal benefits, including tariff reductions or even complete exemptions for goods imported from the United States. He pointed out that Sri Lanka currently imports roughly US$ 300 million worth of goods annually from the U.S., most of which fall within a tariff range of 0 per cent to 20 per cent.

“Even modest adjustments on certain import duties would have minimal fiscal impact, given the relatively low volume,” he added.

A delegation of Sri Lankan trade and economic officials is expected to depart for Washington on tomorrow (18) to continue the next phase of the negotiations. These talks are seen as critical in cushioning Sri Lankan exporters from the potential effects of a proposed 30 per cent tariff on certain goods bound for the U.S. market, which the White House has indicated could come into effect from 1 August.