Leading experts at BASL’s second National Data Protection Symposium

The second National Data Protection Symposium, hosted by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to be held on 2 December, at Cinnamon Life Colombo, will bring together legal experts, policymakers, and industry professionals under the theme “Safeguarding Privacy in the Age of Intelligence”. 

This year’s Symposium is held in collaboration with the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), further strengthening the partnership between the legal and technology communities in shaping Sri Lanka’s future digital landscape.

The symposium arrives at a crucial juncture in Sri Lanka’s digital journey. With the growing use of online platforms, digital payment systems, and data-driven public services, the need for a robust data protection framework has never been more urgent. Personal information today is a valuable asset but without adequate protection, it can also be easily exploited. The discussions will reinforce that data protection is not merely a compliance requirement, but an essential safety mechanism to preserve the privacy, dignity, and trust of every citizen.

Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya said: “When consumers trust that their privacy is respected, they adopt digital services more readily, transact with confidence, and participate fully in the digital economy. Privacy law, in this sense, is not only about safeguarding rights, it is a driver of economic growth, innovation, and long-term investor confidence. The Bar Association is committed to leading this national dialogue, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s digital transformation is built on a foundation of trust, accountability, and respect for individual dignity.”

The day-long event will feature a dynamic lineup of expert addresses and panel discussions exploring critical themes such as institutional readiness for compliance, the statutory and ethical responsibilities of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and embedding a culture of privacy within both public and private institutions. Sessions will also examine the ethical boundaries of AI-driven decision-making and managing privacy risks in digital transactions and e-commerce.

Another key focus of this year’s symposium will be the recent amendment to the Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022, offering crucial insights into how institutions can align themselves with the updated legal requirements.

Symposium Chairperson said: “A strong privacy framework is the backbone of a modern digital economy. When data is governed ethically and securely, businesses innovate more boldly, consumers engage more confidently, and international platforms view the country as a reliable partner.”

The Symposium will feature expert addresses by Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Arjuna Obeyesekere, Adviser on Tech Law, Privacy and Digital Policy Jayantha Fernando, Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Data Protection Authority Chairman Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Digital Economy Ministry Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, and Meta APAC Head of Data Policy Bhairav Acharya followed by four key panel discussions covering the spectrum of modern privacy challenges: From Legal Obligation to Organisational Accountability with Sanduni Wickramasinghe, Suhadini Wickramasinghe, and Shanaka Gunasekara and Dr. Sunil Abeyaratne; Embedding a Privacy Culture in Public and Private Institutions featuring Anushka Cooray, Shenuka Jayalath, and Kanchana Ambagahawita; Managing Privacy Risks in Digital Transactions and E-Commerce with Asela Waidyalankara, Mahela Liyanage, and Sadun Hapugoda; and a final session on Ethical Boundaries of AI and Automated Decision-Making, by Harsha Fernando, P.C, Trinesh Fernando, and Heminda Jayaweera. 

The Symposium’s Official Newspaper Partner is the Daily FT, and NewsFirst serves as the Electronic Media Partner.

As Sri Lanka positions itself for a digitally inclusive and globally connected future, the National Data Protection Symposium stands as a vital platform shaping the country’s approach to protecting citizens’ data while enabling innovation in the age of intelligence. For Registrations please contact the BASL Programme Office on - +94 (76) 440 8342