Launching of the National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC)

Sri Lanka reached a major milestone in strengthening national digital resilience with the official launch of the National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC) on 19 September 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. The Center was established to enhance the nation's ability to detect, defend, and respond to cyber threats impacting government institutions and critical digital infrastructure.

Event Overview

The launch event marked a significant step forward in securing Sri Lanka’s digital landscape. Key officials emphasized the growing sophistication of cyberattacks worldwide and highlighted the need for a centralized, intelligence-driven national cybersecurity hub to ensure timely incident response and proactive prevention.

Chief Guest and Key Officials

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including:

• H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake - President of Sri Lanka
• Hon. Eranga Weeraratne - Deputy Minister of Digital Economy
• Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala - Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy
• Dr. Kanishka Karunasena - Acting Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka CERT

The President highlighted that cybersecurity has become a core pillar of national security, and the NCSOC is a transformative initiative that strengthens the country’s digital protection capabilities.

Purpose of the NCSOC

The National Cyber Security Operations Center was created to serve as the central node for monitoring, analyzing, and coordinating cybersecurity activities across government networks. It supports rapid incident response, early detection of threats, and continuous situational awareness.

Key Capabilities

• Real-time monitoring of government and critical sector systems
• Centralized incident reporting and emergency response coordination
• Threat intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination
• Cyber forensics assistance and vulnerability assessments
• Collaboration with global cybersecurity and CERT networks

Alignment with the National Cyber Security Strategy

The launch of the NCSOC is a major implementation step under Sri Lanka’s National Cyber Security Strategy (2025–2029), which focuses on advancing cyber governance, enabling secure digital transformation, and building a skilled cybersecurity workforce.

International Collaboration

Several international organizations and industry partners have committed to supporting the Center through training, technology exchange, and capacity-building programs. This ensures that the NCSOC remains resilient and aligned with global best practices.

Conclusion

The establishment of the National Cyber Security Operations Center strengthens Sri Lanka’s national cyber defense infrastructure and marks a new era in protecting the nation’s digital ecosystem. It provides a centralized, proactive, and intelligence-driven capability that will continue to evolve alongside emerging threats.