Saturday Feb 14, 2026
Saturday Feb 14, 2026
Saturday, 20 September 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Disanayake inspects the new National Cyber Security Operations Centre
President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday declared open the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC), participating in a ceremony to launch the National Cyber Protection Strategy (2025-2029).
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and with the technical support of the World Bank, has introduced the National Cyber Protection Strategy 2025-2029.
This initiative aims to establish a secure, reliable and inclusive digital ecosystem as a significant step in the country’s digital economic transformation program.
The strategy envisions the establishment of the necessary legal and administrative framework for cyber security, the creation of a skilled workforce equipped with knowledge and expertise in cyber security and the enhancement of public awareness, including among schoolchildren.
It also seeks to improve the preparedness of state institutions, strengthen the capacity of Sri Lanka CERT, protect institutions that manage critical digital infrastructure and foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders to create a secure cyberspace.
The National Cyber Security Operations Centre, inaugurated yesterday will provide 24-hour monitoring of 37 institutions managing critical digital infrastructure, including the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Department of Motor Traffic and the Department of Inland Revenue, in order to identify and respond to potential cyber-attacks.
Its mandate includes the continuous monitoring of cyber threats, risks and attacks, issuing immediate alerts to relevant parties and protecting government systems and public digital services. The centre will also support both State institutions and the private sector to ensure safe digital operations by strengthening system resilience, providing early warnings, ensuring swift responses to threats and raising awareness.
The benefits of the centre include continuity of operations, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, compliance and trust.
The National Cyber Protection Strategy 2025-2029 was formally presented to President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Economy by Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne.
Addressing the gathering, the President further observed that countries capable of swiftly harnessing advances in science and technology achieve rapid progress. He emphasised that the national cyber security framework will play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, strengthening the economy and protecting citizens’ way of life.
Commenting further, President Anura Kumara Disanayake said that today marks the beginning of a significant undertaking. He noted that what has been opened is not merely a building or an office.
If Sri Lanka is to pursue a strong path of digitalisation, he stressed, security, resilience and reliability are indispensable. The cyber security system inaugurated today is therefore a vital milestone in Sri Lanka’s digital economic journey.
