New Cybersecurity Act to be presented to Parliament later this year

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, on Tuesday, announced that Sri Lanka will introduce new cybersecurity legislation this year along with unveiling a framework for a digital economy in November.

The proposed Cyberecurity Act aims to safeguard personal data and uphold national security interests.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his role as Minister of Technology, will lead the introduction of the digitalization framework, Herath said.

The State Minister emphasised the importance of cybersecurity as the country embraces digitalization, highlighting the need to protect data from potential threats.

The draft Bill for the Cybersecurity Act has already undergone review by the Attorney General and will be presented to Parliament later this year after translation.

Addressing concerns about potential restrictions on media freedom, similar to those associated with the proposed Broadcast Regulatory Commission, the State Minister clarified that the Cybersecurity Act is primarily focused on ensuring national security and protecting personal data.

In August 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers approved President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to implement an ‘Information and Cybersecurity policy’ across all state bodies listed under public authorities. The policy developed by the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) in alignment with the Information and Cybersecurity strategy 2019-2023, will be implemented in all public authorities listed in the Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016.