Cybersecurity and NCSOC Operations Awareness Session for Public Administration Staff

Sri Lanka CERT, in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC), successfully conducted a Cybersecurity and NCSOC Operations awareness session for Public Administration staff. The session was held to strengthen cybersecurity readiness across the public sector and to enhance coordination between government institutions and the national cyber defense framework.

Event Overview

The awareness session marked an important step in building cyber resilience within Sri Lanka's public administration. Discussions focused on the current cybersecurity landscape, key operational challenges faced by government institutions, and strategies to further strengthen national cyber resilience through NCSOC initiatives. Officials emphasized the growing need for continuous capacity building and proactive defense measures across all levels of public service.

Chief Guest and Key Officials

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including:

• Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister
• Mr. Aloka Bandara - Secretary

The chair highlighted that cybersecurity awareness across public administration is a foundational requirement for safeguarding government services and citizen data, and that initiatives such as this play a vital role in strengthening the nation's overall cyber defense posture.

Purpose of the Awareness Session

The awareness session was organized to equip Public Administration staff with a clear understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape and the role of NCSOC in protecting government networks. It aimed to promote informed decision-making, encourage adoption of cybersecurity best practices, and improve cross-agency coordination during cyber incidents.

Key Focus Areas

• The current cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats
• Key operational challenges affecting government institutions
• Strategies to strengthen national cyber resilience
• Roles and capabilities of NCSOC
• Improving cybersecurity readiness and coordination across the public sector

Alignment with the National Cyber Security Strategy

The awareness session aligns with the goals of Sri Lanka's National Cyber Security Strategy (2025–2029), which emphasizes building a skilled cybersecurity workforce, enabling secure digital transformation, and advancing cyber governance across all levels of government.

Session Conducted By

The session was conducted by Dr. Kanishka Karunasena – Chief Executive Officer (Sri Lanka CERT), Mr. Mahinda Kandapahala – Chief Information Security Officer (Sri Lanka CERT) and the NCSOC team. Active discussions took place around improving cybersecurity readiness, incident response coordination, and strengthening collaboration across government institutions.

Conclusion

The successful completion of the Cybersecurity and NCSOC Operations awareness session reflects the ongoing commitment of NCSOC to empower the public sector with the knowledge and tools needed to combat cyber threats. Such initiatives play a critical role in advancing national cybersecurity readiness and ensuring a secure digital future for the country.