Sri Lanka Advances Digital Public Infrastructure Amid Data Privacy Concerns

The government of Sri Lanka is moving forward with its digital public infrastructure (DPI) strategy, raising concerns about data privacy. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, addressed this issue at the BIMSTEC Digital Conclave 2025 in Colombo. He stressed the importance of robust data protection frameworks to build public trust in digital initiatives, especially as the collection and use of personal data raise ethical and legal questions in Sri Lanka. Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasized the need for a balanced approach that combines innovation with stringent privacy safeguards to address the divided public opinion on DPI implementation.

During the Conclave, Dr. Wijayasuriya highlighted the significance of data privacy as a crucial aspect of sustainable digital transformation. He discussed the importance of implementing risk proportional safeguards and federated digital platforms to ensure privacy and data control. Sri Lanka’s existing Data Protection Act and Data Protection Authority provide a strong legal and institutional framework for data protection. Dr. Wijayasuriya also emphasized the need for secure data transfer systems and robust security measures to mitigate risks associated with open architecture systems.

At the Conclave, High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha praised India’s digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of digital public infrastructure for societal equity and opportunity. When asked about foreign collaborations for DPI, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weerarathna mentioned the government’s intention to work with both local and foreign tech companies while prioritizing the protection of sensitive data. The Sri Lanka Digital Public Infrastructure Summit, held in partnership with the UNDP, ADB, and key collaborators including Huawei, received support from key officials who pledged assistance to position Sri Lanka as a digital economy powerhouse in the region.

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