The Cabinet has approved a proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy, to connect key state institutions that maintain critical national information infrastructure with the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre.

The move comes in response to the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting state and financial institutions, which could disrupt essential public services and risk the exposure of sensitive data. Such breaches can adversely affect citizens’ personal security, national security, economic stability, public health, social wellbeing, and erode public trust in state institutions.

To mitigate these threats, the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre was established under the guidance of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) and the Ministry of Digital Economy. The centre operates 24/7, providing continuous monitoring, detection, and response to cyber threats. It also issues alerts on potential breaches, malware attacks, and unauthorised access.

Accordingly, the Cabinet decision directs ministry secretaries and heads of state institutions to integrate with the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre and ensure uninterrupted access to its specialised services.