Introduction to the 16th National Cyber Security Conference
Sri Lanka is set to host its 16th National Cyber Security Conference, focusing on the theme ‘Building a Trusted and Cyber Resilient Nation.’ The event will take place at the Water’s Edge in Battaramulla on November 12. This conference is an important platform for discussing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and its role in shaping a secure digital future.
The conference will be graced by President Anura Kuara Dissanayake as the Chief Guest. Over 400 participants, including national and international representatives, are expected to attend. The event is jointly organized by the Digital Economy Ministry and Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors.
Focus on Strategic Cybersecurity Initiatives
This year’s conference centers around the sub-theme ‘Shaping Policy, Enabling Practice, and Strengthening National Response Capacity.’ This focus highlights the country’s strategic direction to enhance cyber preparedness, digital trust, and national resilience in the face of growing cyber threats. The conference aims to foster strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, ensuring that every sector plays an active role in cybersecurity development and capacity enhancement.
Digital Economy Ministry’s Acting Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala will deliver the opening remarks, emphasizing cybersecurity as the cornerstone of economic expansion and global competitiveness. Following this, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka CERT, Dr. Kanishka Karunasena, will address the conference on the implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Cyber Security Strategy.
Keynote Addresses and Discussions
The Asian Development Bank’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono, will deliver a keynote address focusing on global cybersecurity trends and their impact on national preparedness. The Digital Economy Deputy Minister will also speak on strengthening public trust in digital systems. Additional guest speeches, thematic sessions, and fireside discussions will explore a range of topics, including national cyber governance, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity law, data protection frameworks, online safety, operational resilience, global cyber defense collaboration, and the responsible use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, and Quantum systems.
Panel Discussions and Expert Contributions
Several panel discussions will examine cybersecurity as a foundation of digital economic growth, legal readiness for a digital nation, public online safety, and the secure adoption of emerging technologies. Experts from multiple sectors will contribute to these panels, supporting evidence-based national policy and institutional development.
Industry Sponsors and Collaborations
This year’s conference is supported by key industry sponsors. Dialog Enterprise serves as the Principal Sponsor, while Check Point partners as the Platinum Sponsor. Fortinet joins as the Gold Sponsor, TikTok partners as the Strategic Partner for Online Safety, and Sentry Labs supports as the Silver Sponsor. The collaboration of these organizations reflects the shared commitment to advancing national cybersecurity and public digital protection in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
The 16th National Cyber Security Conference represents a significant step forward in Sri Lanka’s efforts to build a resilient and trusted digital environment. Through collaborative efforts and expert insights, the conference aims to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity posture and ensure a safer digital future for all. With the participation of leading experts and industry leaders, the event is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s cybersecurity landscape.