On April 5, 2024, the Sri Lanka Ministry of Technology published the National Digital Economy Strategy 2030. The Ministry noted that the Strategy was prepared in response to the country's need for a comprehensive plan to achieve its vision of building a high-revenue economy by 2048.

The Strategy includes actions across six strategic areas:

• infrastructure, connectivity, and access;
• skills, literacy, industry, and jobs;
• connected digital government;
• cybersecurity, safety, and privacy;
• digital financial services; and
• digitalization across sectors and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Cybersecurity, safety, and privacy

The Strategy highlights that effective cybersecurity measures are essential for supporting digital services, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth, and protecting the privacy and safety of citizens in Sri Lanka.

The core actions under the strategic areas are as follows:

• establish a policy and regulatory framework that promotes trust, including passing stand-alone cybersecurity legislation, establishing a cybersecurity regulatory authority, and setting up a separate data protection authority. Sector-specific guidelines will be developed and efforts will be made to ensure compliance with rules and regulations;
• create local and global partnerships for an effective whole-of-nation cybersecurity ecosystem; and
• promote awareness, build capacities, strengthen digital safeguards, and mitigate cyber threats.

You can access the press release here and the Strategy here.