Key insights from top experts at first ever Data Privacy and Protection Summit tomorrow

Summit’s Chief Guest, keynote and guest speakers from left: Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Tommy Black, Jayantha Fernando, Ganaka Herath, Shenuka Jayalath, Sherill Pal, Oshada Senanayake and Shabeer Shiyam 

• Ground-breaking initiative by Daily FT in partnership with CICRA Holdings

A host of top experts will share key insights at Sri Lanka’s first ever full-day Data Privacy and Protection Summit tomorrow at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo under the initiative of the Daily FT and CICRA Holdings Ltd.

New regulations relating to data privacy and protection are among the most pressing regulatory challenges facing both public and private sector organisations today. The high-profile Summit will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and cyber-security experts via keynotes and panel discussions highlighting critical issues surrounding data privacy, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), and best practices for safeguarding sensitive financial and consumer data.

The new Summit was conceived drawing strength and insights from over a decade of experience in Daily FT and CICRA successfully delivering Sri Lanka’s premier Annual Cyber Security Summit and establishing as trusted promoters of digital risk management.

Key sessions include 

: “Government Insights on PDPA – Policies, Compliance, and the Road Ahead” – A deep dive into regulatory expectations and the future of data protection in Sri Lanka; “Decoding PDPA – Frameworks, Compliance, and Best Practices” – Practical guidance on interpreting and adhering to PDPA requirements; “From Theory to Action – Implementing PDPA in Your Business” – Strategies for operationalising data protection measures in organisations and “The Strategic DPO – Roles, Responsibilities, and Leadership in Data Protection” – Exploring the pivotal role of Data Protection Officers in ensuring compliance.

Chief Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya will be the Chief Guest and will deliver the keynote at the inauguration at 9.00 a.m.

Session one titled “Government Insights on PDPA – Policies, Compliance, and the Road Ahead” will include speakers/panellists include Data Protection Authority (DPA) Chairman Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Digital Economy Acting Secretary and TRCSL Chairman Waruna Dhanapala, Central Bank Deputy Director, Payments and Settlements Dr. Kanchana Ambagahawita and SEC Director General Chinthaka Mendis. It will be moderated by Daily FT Editor and CEO Nisthar Cassim. 

The Summit will also have a Special Keynote by Sparkoo Technologies Ireland Co., Chief Security Officer Tommy Black.

Session two focussing on “Decoding PDPA – Frameworks, Compliance, and Best Practices” will see insights from PDPA Drafting Committee former Chair Jayantha Fernando, Mastercard Senior Counsel for Privacy and Data Protection Sherrill Pal, FJ&G De Saram Partner Shanaka Gunasekera, Attorney-at-Law Samantha De Soysa with Consultant, Information Privacy and Technology Law Sanduni Wickramasinghe as the moderator. 

Session three titled “From Theory to Action – Implementing PDPA in Your Business” will see insights from Dialog Axiata Contracts and Regulatory Head – Group Legal and Regulatory Shenuka Jayalath, South Asia Technologies Chief Technical Strategy Officer Shabeer Shiyam, ISACA President BDO Deputy Managing Partner Ashane Jayasekera, Nestle Sri Lanka Assistant Director - Legal and Regulatory Affairs/Company Secretary Keerthi Pathiraja, NDB Capital Holdings Legal and Compliance Group Head Suhadini Wickramasinghe with CICRA Holdings Group Director/CEO Suhadini Wickramasinghe.

Final session titled “The Strategic DPO – Roles, Responsibilities, and Leadership in Data Protection” will involve McKinsey, Sri Lanka Managing Partner Ganaka Herath, Brandix Director Oshada Senanayke, CBSL CISO Sanjee Balasuriya, Legal Consultant and Research Fellow – Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law and Policy Ashwini Natesan and Former Dialog Axiata GC/ VP and DPO Trinesh Fernando. It will be moderated by former SEC Chairman and CA Sri Lanka President Ranel T Wijesinha.

Extending support to the inaugural Data Privacy and Protection Summit are Agility Innovation as Platinum Partner, Mastercard and South Asia Technologies Ltd., as Gold Partners. Brand Communications Partner is Mullen Lowe Sri Lanka. 

The Summit is designed for aspiring DPOs, compliance and risk officers, IT and cyber security teams, human resources and admin personnel (handling employee data), legal and corporate governance professionals, CEOs, CIOs, and decision-makers, ensuring organisational readiness. 

To register, visit www.cicrasummit.lk. Tickets priced at Rs. 15,000. For inquiries, call 0710600800 (Summit Secretariat).