By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka is set to further strengthen its legal framework on cybersecurity, with the government deciding to update the Computer Crimes Act to better reflect modern digital threats and emerging patterns of cybercrime.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the decision was taken in response to a noticeable increase in cyber-related offences across the country in recent weeks, highlighting growing concerns over digital security vulnerabilities in both public and private systems.
According to officials, several cybercrime-related incidents have been uncovered in recent days, with several foreign nationals currently being held in remand custody in connection with ongoing investigations. Authorities have not yet released detailed information on the specific cases, but the developments have intensified calls for a stronger and more responsive legal framework.
Sri Lanka’s primary legislation governing digital offences is the Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007, which provides the legal basis for prosecuting offences such as unauthorized access to computer systems, data theft, and other forms of cyber intrusion. However, officials and cybersecurity experts have increasingly argued that the law, enacted nearly two decades ago, requires substantial updates to address new forms of cyber threats including advanced hacking techniques, ransomware attacks, and cross-border digital fraud.
The government’s move reflects a broader global trend, where countries are tightening cybersecurity laws in response to rapidly evolving digital risks and the growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks. In Sri Lanka’s case, the urgency has been underscored by recent incidents that authorities say demonstrate how cybercrime is becoming more organised and transnational in nature.
Officials say the proposed amendments will aim to modernise investigative powers, improve coordination between law enforcement and digital service providers, and strengthen penalties for serious cyber offences. The reforms are also expected to address gaps in jurisdiction and evidence handling that have emerged since the original law was enacted in 2007.
Cybersecurity analysts note that Sri Lanka’s increasing digitalisation of banking, government services, and commerce has made the country more exposed to cyber threats, making legal reform an urgent priority. They warn that without updated legislation, enforcement agencies may struggle to keep pace with evolving attack methods.
While details of the proposed amendments have not yet been officially released, the government says the overhaul of the Computer Crimes Act will be carried out in consultation with legal experts, security agencies, and technology stakeholders.
The announcement signals a clear policy shift toward strengthening Sri Lanka’s cyber defence architecture, as authorities move to ensure that the country’s legal system is equipped to handle the complexities of modern digital crime.
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