Colombo, Sri Lanka – October 10, 2026
Sri Lanka and India have held their first bilateral cybersecurity consultations in Colombo, focusing on emerging threats associated with artificial intelligence (AI), cyber threat intelligence sharing and stronger cooperation to protect critical digital infrastructure.
The consultations took place during a visit by a senior Indian delegation on October 5–6, 2026, as the two countries seek to deepen their partnership in digitalisation and emerging technologies. The discussions brought together government officials and cybersecurity specialists to explore opportunities for knowledge exchange, technical capacity building and improved cyber incident response.
India and Sri Lanka Address Emerging AI Security Challenges
The Indian delegation included Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), and Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary for Cyber Diplomacy at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
During the visit, the delegation met Eranga Weeraratne, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, to discuss cybersecurity governance frameworks and the challenges that artificial intelligence presents to national cybersecurity systems.
The discussions highlighted the importance of exchanging cyber threat assessments and sharing operational best practices developed by CERT-In, particularly in areas such as technical training, institutional capacity building and incident response.
As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into business operations and public services, both countries face the challenge of ensuring that digital innovation is supported by effective security measures.
Strengthening Cyber Threat Detection and Response
One of the key areas discussed was the potential to improve cooperation between cybersecurity institutions in Sri Lanka and India.
The Indian delegation shared insights into India’s cybersecurity framework and its experience in coordinating threat identification and response activities. The discussions also covered opportunities to strengthen Sri Lanka CERT’s ability to identify, analyse and respond to emerging cyber threats.
Artificial intelligence can support cybersecurity teams by analysing large volumes of data, identifying unusual activity and helping detect potential attacks. However, cybercriminals can also misuse AI to automate malicious activities, create convincing phishing messages and develop more sophisticated scams.
Sharing threat intelligence, improving technical expertise and strengthening incident response procedures can help organisations prepare for these evolving risks.
The consultations also highlighted the importance of cybersecurity training for government institutions and the public as part of a broader national cyber resilience strategy.
Cybersecurity Cooperation to Protect the Financial Sector
The Indian delegation also met Anil Jayantha Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, to discuss cybersecurity cooperation in support of a secure financial system and resilient digital economy.
Financial institutions increasingly depend on interconnected digital infrastructure, online banking services and electronic payment systems. Cyber incidents affecting these systems can disrupt operations, expose sensitive information and undermine public confidence.
Stronger cybersecurity coordination can help financial institutions and government agencies improve their preparedness, exchange relevant information and respond more effectively to digital threats.
The discussions reflected the importance of protecting financial infrastructure as Sri Lanka continues to expand digital services and encourage greater participation in the digital economy.
Sri Lanka CERT and India Explore Future Collaboration
Further discussions were held with Thilak Pathirage, Chairman of Sri Lanka CERT, and Dr. Kanishka Karunasena, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka CERT.
The talks explored potential areas for collaboration, including knowledge exchange, capacity building, cyber crisis management and the development of national-level strategies relating to artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Quantum computing is attracting increasing attention from cybersecurity experts because future advances could challenge some of the encryption methods currently used to protect digital communications and sensitive information.
Preparing for these developments requires long-term planning, technical expertise and awareness of emerging security standards. Cooperation between Sri Lankan and Indian cybersecurity institutions could support the exchange of knowledge and help strengthen preparedness for future technological changes.
AI Governance Becomes Increasingly Important
The consultations come amid wider international efforts to promote responsible AI development while managing the risks associated with rapidly advancing technology.
For Sri Lanka, strengthening cybersecurity is an important consideration as businesses, financial institutions and public-sector organisations increasingly adopt digital tools and AI-powered systems.
Effective AI governance involves more than introducing new technologies. It also requires appropriate safeguards, skilled professionals, clear institutional responsibilities and mechanisms to respond to security incidents.
Cooperation with international partners can help Sri Lanka access technical knowledge and practical experience while developing approaches suited to its own digital infrastructure and national priorities.
Strengthening Sri Lanka–India Digital Relations
The first bilateral cybersecurity consultations represent a further step in the expanding technology relationship between Sri Lanka and India.
Both countries have identified opportunities to deepen cooperation in digitalisation and emerging technologies, with cybersecurity becoming an increasingly important component of economic and technological development.
Although the consultations explored several potential areas of cooperation, the official announcement did not confirm a new cybersecurity treaty or a specific implementation timetable.
The discussions nevertheless underscore the importance of international collaboration in addressing AI-related security risks, improving cyber incident response and protecting the digital systems that support modern economies.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and public services, stronger cybersecurity capabilities will remain essential to building trust in digital technologies and supporting sustainable digital growth in Sri Lanka.
Source: High Commission of India in Colombo; Sri Lanka CERT-related discussions reported by local media.
