This call was highlighted during a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme conducted by the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT), focusing on the secure and responsible use of digital technologies by lawmakers.
Officials noted that with the increasing reliance on digital platforms for policymaking, governance and public communication, parliamentarians are becoming more vulnerable to cyber risks such as phishing, data breaches and misinformation campaigns. Strengthening their preparedness was identified as essential to safeguarding national security and maintaining public trust.
The programme, attended by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih and Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekere along with several government and opposition MPs, covered key areas including cyber hygiene, secure online communication and cybersecurity best practices.
Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, addressing the gathering, stressed the importance of strengthening cybersecurity awareness at all levels of governance. Chairman of Sri Lanka CERT Tilak Pathirage and Acting Chief Executive Officer Kanishka Karunasena also shared insights and responded to queries raised by MPs.
Technical sessions were led by Chief Information Security Officer Nirosh Ananda, Lead Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola and Programme Manager – Capacity Building Thilina Dissanayake, who provided practical guidance on identifying cyber threats, protecting communications and maintaining secure online behaviour.
Sri Lanka CERT said MPs showed strong engagement throughout the programme, underlining the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a key element of effective governance. The agency added that it will continue to conduct similar awareness initiatives to strengthen the country’s overall cybersecurity resilience.
