Cabinet directs ministries to link with new National Cyber Protection Centre

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy, directing secretaries and heads of ministries to continuously obtain professional services from the newly established National Cyber Protection Operations Centre (NCPOC).
The move comes amid growing concerns that cyberattacks targeting public and financial institutions could disrupt essential services and compromise sensitive data, with potential consequences for national security, economic stability, public trust, and public health.
The NCPOC, set up under the guidance of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) and the Ministry of Digital Economy, operates 24/7 to monitor, detect, and respond to cyber threats. It also provides facilities for identifying and reporting malicious software and unauthorised access.
Authorities emphasised that the centre will play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of state institutions, financial systems, and governance processes, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the country’s digital infrastructure.