Bank of Ceylon joins 12th Annual Cyber Security Summit 2026 as Official Banking Partner

Bank of Ceylon Acting Chief Executive Officer/General Manager R. M. N. Jeewantha (centre) exchanges the partnership agreement with CICRA Holdings Group Executive Director and CEO Boshan Dayaratne (left). Bank of Ceylon Chief Marketing Officer Sameera Liyanage is also present

The 12th Annual Cyber Security Summit 2026 has announced that Bank of Ceylon (BOC), the Most Valuable Brand in Sri Lanka, is joining as the Official Banking Partner.

This strategic collaboration reinforces the summit’s mission to prepare Sri Lankan organisations for technology-based cyber risks, with this year’s event entirely focused on Artificial Intelligence and the critical question: “Is your organisation ready for AI-based cyber-attacks?”

12th Annual Cyber Security Summit inclusive of a CEO Forum will be held on 18 and 19 November at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The twin events are designed to provide the insights, solutions, and hands on experience needed to confront the AI-driven threat landscape head on, bringing together business leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and technology experts from across the region.

Bank of Ceylon Acting Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager R. M. N. Jeewantha said: “We decided to join the 12th Annual Cyber Security Summit as the Official Banking Partner because cybersecurity is a strategic priority for the bank and a fundamental pillar of customer trust.  As a bank, we handle sensitive financial data and critical transactions every day, we recognise that AI-powered threats are Increasing the scale, speed, and sophistication of cyber risks. We have consistently invested in robust cybersecurity frameworks and continue to enhance our defences against emerging threats.”

“This partnership allows us to engage with global experts, share knowledge, and demonstrate our commitment to protecting our customers and the broader financial ecosystem, We thank CICRA and Daily FT for organising this important summit and for bringing the industry together to educate companies on how to prepare for AI-based attacks. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to working with all stakeholders to strengthen cyber resilience in Sri Lanka,” added Jeewantha.

This year’s theme places a strong emphasis on shifting from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity posture. As AI accelerates the volume, velocity, and variety of attacks, traditional perimeter based defenses are no longer sufficient. The summit will explore how organisations can move beyond incident response and build anticipatory, infrastructure native defences that identify and neutralise threats before they cause harm.

Day one,18 November, features the invitation-only CEO Forum on “Why Cyber Security Should Be a Boardroom Discussion,” addressing board level liability under the Companies Act and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), and the urgent need for robust AI governance frameworks. This exclusive forum is tailored for C-suite executives and board members, emphasising that cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue but a strategic business imperative. The CEO Forum will examine why boardroom engagement is essential for proactive defence, how directors and senior leaders must take ownership of cyber risk, set the tone for organisational resilience, and ensure that AI governance is embedded at the highest level. It will also discuss practical frameworks for anticipating AI-powered threats rather than merely reacting to breaches, and how boards can foster a culture of security that permeates every layer of the organisation.

On day two,19 November, is a full-day conference bringing global expert speakers, a world-renowned Capture the Flag challenge, and invaluable insights and solutions for attendees. That same evening, the famous “Night Hack” event delivers a thrilling night of AI hacking and defending, giving participants a live, hands-on look at the real-world implications of AI-powered threats. Together, the two days provide the insights, solutions, and experience needed to build resilience against the next generation of cyber risks.

CICRA Holdings Group Executive Director and CEO Boshan Dayaratne said:  “We are delighted to welcome Bank of Ceylon as the Official Banking Partner of the 12th Annual Cyber Security Summit. BOC’s decision to join hands with us reflects its strong commitment to prioritising cybersecurity and supporting our initiative to make companies in Sri Lanka ready for AI and technology-based cyber risks.”

“This year’s summit is focused on technology-based attacks, AI, and how organisations can prepare for and defend against them. However, from our initial screening of companies, we feel many organisations are still not ready for AI-based cyber risks. The latest theft involving bitcoin, described as the world’s largest technology theft, saw $6.3 billion stolen in only 20 minutes. This highlights the speed and scale of modern cyber threats and should become an eye-opener for all of us. We must act now, and with partners like BOC, we can help build a more cyber-resilient corporate sector,” added Dayaratne.

The 12th Annual Cyber Security Summit brings together business leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and technology experts to address the most urgent challenges of the AI era. The event is expected to draw widespread participation from across the corporate, financial, and technology sectors, offering actionable strategies and solutions for organisations at every stage of their cybersecurity journey. For registration and more information, please visit https://cybersecuritysummit.lk