Sri Lanka Invites Public Feedback on Sovereign Cloud Initiative

Published Date : 7/9/2025 

Sri Lanka's ICTA has launched a public consultation on a Cloud Policy and Strategy aimed at strengthening data security, fostering digital growth, and ensuring national control over critical information. The draft outlines plans for data localization, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships to shape a secure and innovative cloud ecosystem. 

Sri Lanka's Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) has taken a significant step toward shaping its digital future by launching a public consultation on a Cloud Policy and Strategy. This initiative seeks to establish a robust framework for sovereign cloud operations, ensuring that the nation's data is protected, governed locally, and leveraged to drive economic growth. The draft documents, available for stakeholder feedback, aim to create a secure and innovative cloud environment that aligns with national interests while attracting global investments. n nThe strategy emphasizes the importance of data localization, classification, and security standards. By prioritizing these elements, Sri Lanka aims to build a regulatory framework that ensures compliance with local laws and safeguards critical information. This includes measures such as cloud provider certification, regular audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The goal is to create a system where both local and international cloud providers operate under strict regulations, fostering trust and transparency. n nOne of the key objectives of the Cloud Policy and Strategy is to protect national data by storing it locally and implementing governance mechanisms. This approach not only enhances data security but also supports the development of a resilient cloud infrastructure. The strategy also encourages partnerships between the public and private sectors, aiming to create an interoperable cloud system that can adapt to evolving technological needs. By fostering innovation in public sector services, Sri Lanka hopes to position itself as a leader in the digital economy. n nThe proposed framework includes the establishment of Digital Sovereignty Zones, which will serve as secure environments for hosting sensitive data. These zones are designed to ensure exclusive control by Sri Lankan authorities, with strict adherence to cybersecurity protocols. This initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain digital independence while efficiently managing complex workloads. The strategy also outlines risk mitigation measures and a governance framework that defines the roles of various institutions, including the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Digital Economy Authority, and the GovTech Agency. n nStakeholder input is crucial to refining the strategy, as the ICTA acknowledges that the success of the policy depends on addressing concerns from diverse sectors. Key areas of focus include the strength of the regulatory framework, the practicality of public-private partnerships, and the potential impact on local businesses. The document also introduces a data sovereignty classification system, ranging from full localization to global hosting with local oversight. Each category comes with specific requirements for data management and hosting, ensuring that sensitive information is handled appropriately. n nCloud service providers will need to undergo certification and accreditation to operate within the sovereign cloud framework. This includes security audits, data residency checks, and compliance with national laws. A national data classification policy will categorize data into public, sensitive, and critical tiers, ensuring that the right controls and compliance measures are applied. This approach is designed to balance the need for data security with the flexibility to leverage global cloud resources where appropriate. n nThe Digital Economy Ministry has identified cloud computing and digital identity as top priorities. A recent Request for Proposals (RFP) for a vendor to implement the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) system highlights the government's commitment to integrating digital solutions into everyday life. This initiative, alongside the sovereign cloud strategy, underscores Sri Lanka's vision for a secure, interconnected, and innovative digital ecosystem. n nThe governance framework for the sovereign cloud will clearly define the roles of key institutions. The Ministry of Digital Economy will lead policy direction, while the Digital Economy Authority will manage regulation. The GovTech Agency will handle technical execution, and the Data Protection Authority will enforce data protection laws. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission will oversee infrastructure, ensuring that all components of the framework work in harmony to protect national interests. n nBy implementing these measures, Sri Lanka aims to create a digital landscape that is both secure and competitive. The strategy not only addresses immediate concerns about data security but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic growth. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and regulatory excellence, the country is positioning itself to thrive in the digital age. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is Sri Lanka's Cloud Policy and Strategy aiming to achieve?

A: The strategy aims to establish a secure and innovative cloud ecosystem by ensuring data localization, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive digital growth and national security.

Q: How does the strategy address data security?

A: The strategy emphasizes data localization, classification, and strict security standards. It includes measures like cloud provider certification, audits, and the creation of Digital Sovereignty Zones to protect sensitive information.

Q: What are Digital Sovereignty Zones?

A: Digital Sovereignty Zones are secure environments designed to host sensitive data under exclusive control by Sri Lankan authorities, with rigorous cybersecurity protocols to ensure compliance and protection.

Q: What role do stakeholders play in this initiative?

A: Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the regulatory framework, public-private partnership models, and the strategy's impact on local businesses to refine and improve the policy.

Q: How will the strategy affect local businesses?

A: The strategy aims to create a competitive environment by ensuring compliance with local laws, fostering innovation, and balancing the need for data security with opportunities for local businesses to thrive. 

More Related Topics :