Sri Lanka Solicits Public Feedback on Innovative Sovereign Cloud Plan

Published Date : 7/9/2025 

Sri Lanka's ICTA has initiated a public consultation on its Cloud Policy and Strategy, aiming to establish a secure digital framework. The plan focuses on data localization, regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation while ensuring national data sovereignty. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on key areas like cloud provider oversight and digital identity integration. 

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) has launched a public consultation on a Cloud Policy and Strategy, marking a pivotal step in the nation's digital transformation. The draft documents, now open for stakeholder feedback, outline a comprehensive approach to cloud computing that prioritizes data security, regulatory compliance, and economic growth. By aligning with national interests, the strategy aims to create a robust digital ecosystem that supports both public and private sector innovation. n nThe initiative highlights the government's commitment to developing a strong regulatory framework for sovereign cloud operations. This includes data localization, classification, and security standards designed to ensure compliance with local laws. The framework will involve supervision of cloud provider certification, audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Such measures are critical for protecting sensitive information while enabling global cloud providers to operate under strict oversight. n nA core objective of the Cloud Policy and Strategy is to safeguard national data through localized storage and governance. This involves constructing a secure cloud infrastructure that allows global cloud providers to function within a regulated environment, attracting investments to bolster the digital economy. The strategy also emphasizes nurturing innovation in public sector services, ensuring that digital advancements benefit all citizens equitably. n nKey components of the strategy include establishing a regulatory framework for data security, fostering public-private partnerships, and creating an interoperable cloud system. Digital Sovereignty Zones are a central feature, designed as secure environments for hosting critical data. These zones will ensure exclusive control by Sri Lankan authorities while adhering to rigorous cybersecurity protocols. This approach aims to balance digital independence with the efficiency of cloud computing. n nStakeholder input is crucial for refining the strategy, with the ICTA seeking feedback on the strength of the regulatory framework, the practicality of public-private partnerships, and the impact on local businesses. The document defines varying sensitivity levels for data sovereignty, ranging from full localization to global hosting with local oversight. Each tier comes with specific requirements for data management and hosting, ensuring compliance with national laws. n nThe guidelines also emphasize that cloud services must align with data classification tiers, prioritize adherence to local regulations, and promote competition and innovation. Digital Sovereignty Zones are highlighted as essential for protecting sensitive data, with strict cybersecurity measures in place. This framework aims to retain digital autonomy while managing complex workloads effectively. n nCritical government data will remain within sovereign environments, while less sensitive workloads can leverage public or hybrid clouds with appropriate controls. This tiered approach ensures that data is handled according to its sensitivity, minimizing risks while maximizing efficiency. n nThe governance framework for the sovereign cloud will clearly define institutional roles. The Ministry of Digital Economy will lead policy direction, the Digital Economy Authority will manage regulation, and the GovTech Agency will handle technical execution. The Data Protection Authority will enforce data protection laws, while the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission will oversee infrastructure. This division of responsibilities ensures a cohesive and accountable system. n nCloud service providers must undergo certification and accreditation to operate within the sovereign cloud framework. Security audits and data residency checks will be mandatory. A national data classification policy will categorize data into public, sensitive, and critical tiers, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance requirements are applied. This structured approach will streamline data management and enhance security. n nThe Digital Economy Ministry has identified cloud computing and digital identity as high-priority projects. A Request for Proposals for a vendor to implement the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) system was issued in June, underscoring the government's focus on digital infrastructure. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize public services and enhance citizen engagement through technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of Sri Lanka's Cloud Policy?

A: The main goal is to establish a secure digital framework that prioritizes data localization, regulatory compliance, and economic growth. It aims to protect national data while enabling global cloud providers to operate under strict oversight, fostering innovation in public and private sectors.

Q: How does the strategy address data security?

A: The strategy emphasizes data localization, classification, and security standards. It includes measures like Digital Sovereignty Zones, which ensure exclusive control by Sri Lankan authorities and adherence to rigorous cybersecurity protocols. Regular audits and compliance monitoring are also mandated.

Q: What role do stakeholders play in the strategy?

A: Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on key areas such as the regulatory framework's strength, the practicality of public-private partnerships, and the strategy's impact on local businesses. Their input is crucial for refining the policy to meet diverse needs.

Q: What are Digital Sovereignty Zones?

A: These are secure environments designed for hosting critical data, ensuring exclusive control by Sri Lankan authorities. They operate under strict cybersecurity protocols, balancing digital independence with efficient cloud computing capabilities.

Q: How will the strategy benefit Sri Lanka's digital economy?

A: By attracting investments, fostering innovation, and creating a secure cloud infrastructure, the strategy aims to stimulate inclusive growth. It also supports the development of digital identity systems, enhancing public services and citizen engagement through technology. 

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