Draft Cyber Security bill to be legislated within six weeks
The Draft Cyber Security bill which awaits Cabinet approval, is likely to be legislated within six weeks, according to Non Cabinet Minister for Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology, Ajith P. Perera.
He made these remarks at a recent forum organised by the Colombo Based Think-tank LIRNEASIA last week.
He said that Draft Cyber Security bill has been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers while noting that the draft bill would secure Cabinet approval shortly.
The bill has been identified as a crucial component to ensure the effective implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy in Sri Lanka which includes protecting the critical information infrastructure of the country.
Once legislated, the proposed Act will prevent, mitigate and respond to cyber security threats and incidents effectively and efficiently.
The draft cyber security bill has proposed to establish the Cyber Security Agency of Sri Lanka which will be responsible for all matters relating to cyber security policy in Sri Lanka and for the implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy.
The Board will consist of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, a member nominated by the Board of Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), Secretary to the Ministry which is responsible of implementation of the proposed Act and three expert members appointed by the responsible Minister.
The proposed agency will be also tasked with establishing and authorising sectoral computer emergency readiness teams in various sectors based on the critical importance of a particular sector.
Meanwhile,
Perera revealed that the draft of the comprehensive Data Protection bill is almost ready to be presented to the Cabinet and it will be legislated in three months.
The legislation of Cyber Security and Data Protection is expected enhance Sri Lanka’s value proposition as a preferred destination for It-enabled services.
Perera stressed that these initiatives would also enhance
Sri Lanka’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business
Index.