Sri Lanka leads the region with a new framework to protect critical digital connectivity infrastructure
The network of undersea data cables which traverse around Sri Lankan territorial, EEZ waters and connect the country to the world. Pic - ICPC. By Asiri Fernando Sri Lanka last week launched a Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework (SCPRF), becoming the first nation in the region to initiate a process that will bring legislation on the seabed cable network that connects the island to the digital world of communication, services and commerce. The SCPRF was launched at a stakeholder meeting chaired by Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara on 15 July, the Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage, senior ministry officials, members of the TRCSL, UNODC and the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka joined the launch. The move by Sri Lanka, which is currently the Vice-Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) gives the country the opportunity to take a lead role in a critical issue of global importance and be a more proactive glo