Cabinet directs Legal Draftsman to prepare Digital Economy Bill

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 05:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved directing the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft Digital Economy Bill based on a concept paper that was approved previously by the Cabinet.

The move aims to expedite digital transformation and economic growth.

Announcing the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government has identified that an institutional framework with legal powers is essential to ensure the effective implementation of the National Digital Policy and Guidelines.

Accordingly, the institutional framework should attract quality human capital for policy formulation, technology implementation, operational regulation and enforcement. It has also been recognised that the continued participation of the private sector should also be considered in the development of a strong institutional framework, and that it should focus on new areas of digital innovation, including support for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and related activities.

“Taking these factors into account, a concept paper has been prepared to prepare a draft Digital Economy Bill to establish a new institutional framework,” he said.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Digital Economy Minister.