Business
Webinar on ‘Security of Information Assets: What the Board Needs to Know’
The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) together with EY organized a webinar, moderated by Manil Jayasinghe-Partner, EY on “Security of Information Assets: What the Board Needs to Know” recently to update the knowledge and understanding of Board members on the increasing cyber security risks and threats to information assets of an organization brought about by the rapid wave of digitalization and resulting changes in the way organizations work in response to the on-going pandemic.
The webinar also discussed strategies and best practices on how best to mitigate these risks in securing information assets while ensuring business continuity, loss minimization and quick, safe recovery in the event of a breach. The keynote address was delivered by Dileepa Lathsara-CEO, TechCert and the panel comprised of eminent tech and business leaders Madu Ratnayake-Executive Vice President, CIO/GM Virtusa and D. Soosaipillai-INED of Listed Companies.
“It is important to define what information assets are so that security can be provided to those assets. Contrary to the misconception that information assets are only the application systems or the systems where staff work on and the data that resides on those systems, information assets include supporting infrastructure such as switches, patch panels, routers, servers and all other equipment, and application systems including confidential corporate information in those systems. It is also important to identify where corporate information is stored and who has access to it” said Dileepa Lathsara-CEO, TechCert.
“Boards should get involved in handling cyber security risk by firstly setting a security tone for the organization so that everyone takes security seriously and also ensure that the required resources are made available. Boards can focus on the actual requirements of information security by adopting and adhering to security frameworks, standards, acts and directives such as NIST and ISO27000 series, PCI-DSS rather than having the IT security team re-invent the wheel” he added.
He further stated that cyber security should be incorporated into the digital transformation chain and should not be a mere afterthought to be plugged in at the end. Cyber accountability is also important in that it is the organization’s ability to demonstrate that they have good cyber hygiene to ensure, in case of an eventual attack, the ability to track back to a unique event/person or group responsible with admissible evidence which also aids in quick rectification and recovery. Dileepa also emphasized that it is important to make informed and optimal investments in cyber security mitigation which can be calculated preferably as Annualized Loss Expectancy (ALE) as against ROI since security is about loss prevention and not about earnings where ALE is calculated as the cost of a security incident x chance that the incident will occur in a year.
Panelist Madu Ratnayake said that it is essential and fundamental to have the right people in the security team led by a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) and that cyber security is a journey and not a destination as security is evolving. The Boards should comprise of members who have expertise on security given that most companies are going digital and the risk becomes crucial.
Panelist D. Soosaipillai said that the first thing is to find a security standard to be adopted in the organization without which there will be limitless spending on security without knowing what the benefits are. The organization should have a security vertical such as a CISO or IT Security, which is where the Boards will look at to establish ownership for IT security. He also suggested that Board does regular, if not half yearly Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) by external 3rd parties into the systems/security matrix of the organization.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Continuing its mission to drive inclusive economic recovery and empower Sri Lanka’s grassroots business sector, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has actively accelerated the disbursement of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Finance Project line of credit.
As Sri Lanka’s premier private sector lender, Commercial Bank drives regional development by bridging financial gaps outside the Western Province. Jaffna and the broader Northern Province remain pivotal focus areas due to their immense potential for industrial regeneration, vibrant agricultural output, and entrepreneurial resilience in the post-crisis economic landscape.
Directing targeted, affordable financing enables local enterprises to overcome historical financing barriers, expand production capacity, and stimulate employment across regional supply chains.
Quality at the Source: ADB Country Director Shannon Cowlin inspects a bottle of premium sesame oil at the New V.S.P. Gingelly Oil factory floor in Jaffna. Working capital facilities extended through Commercial Bank under the ADB line of credit enable manufacturers like Harish Industries to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka while securing long-term economic resilience.
The dedicated credit scheme offers affordable interest rates to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rebound from recent macroeconomic shocks, maintain employment stability, and build long-term sustainability. Designed to target underserved segments, the funding line prioritizes viable enterprises located outside the Colombo district, women-owned and women-led businesses, and ventures incorporating strong climate finance components. Eligible sectors span manufacturing, agriculture, animal husbandry, technology, tourism, and direct export industries.
A standout beneficiary showcasing the transformative impact of this regional focus is Harish Industries, a flourishing manufacturing firm located within the purview of Commercial Bank’s Manipay branch in Jaffna. Owned and operated by proprietor Ponnuchamy Prabakaran, Harish Industries manufactures premium sesame oil under the popular brand name “New VSP Gingelly Oil”.
The working capital facility extended by the line of credit to Harish Industries helped to cater to short-term liquidity needs, ease out cash flow pressure, and operate the business in a sustainable manner.
Additionally, this financial backing helped create more employment opportunities, strengthen its supply chain, and expand business operations to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka.
by Sanath Nanayakkare
True corporate leadership extends far beyond financial metrics and market dominance. For the Commercial Bank of Ceylon – recognised as Sri Lanka’s top-ranked bank in the 2026 edition of The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks and the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank—true progress means investing directly in the nation’s ecological health.
On 19 September, the Bank demonstrated how a massive institutional infrastructure can be mobilised for the greater good.
Marking International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 under its “Forward Together for a Cleaner Future” platform, the Bank brought together employees, corporate management, customers, and volunteers for a coordinated national conservation initiative spanning 20 locations.
What sets this effort apart is its deliberate breadth. The campaign moved far beyond a conventional beach cleanup by integrating 16 coastal sites – including prominent Colombo locations like Mount Lavinia, Wellawatte, and Galle Face, alongside regional spots from Point Pedro to Dondra – with four vital inland waterways, such as the Mahaweli River at Polgolla Dam and Parakrama Samudraya. This structural reach ensured that even inland communities could actively participate in a unified national environmental mission.
This massive undertaking was anchored by robust partnerships, working alongside the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) as the technical partner and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Sri Lanka. By translating its formal 2025 adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and its role as a UNGC Patron into boots-on-the-ground volunteerism, the Bank bridged high-level environmental policy with grassroots action.
Ultimately, Commercial Bank’s nationwide mobilisation proves that when a premier financial institution harnesses its expansive network, corporate responsibility stops being a theoretical framework and becomes a tangible, community-driven force for a cleaner future.
The grand halls of the Taj Samudra in Colombo buzzed with a distinct energy on the morning of September 25, 2026, as leaders gathered for the National Celebration of World Tourism Day.
Yet, beneath the formal discussions on digital agendas and artificial intelligence, a deeper, more vibrant narrative was quietly unfolding. This was not merely a story of algorithms and automated efficiency; it was a human story – a tale of Sri Lanka’s youth stepping forward to redesign the future of hospitality.
For generations, Sri Lanka’s allure has been rooted in its timeless landscapes, golden shores, and the legendary warmth of its people. But as global travel evolves, a new generation of tech-savvy local innovators is finding ways to weave cutting-edge technology into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture. This shift took center stage during the Tourism Start-Up Competition 2026, held under the theme “AI-Driven Innovation for the Future of Tourism”.
Out of 52 competitive applications spanning tertiary and commercial levels, young minds proved that technology and tradition can go hand in hand.
The twenty-five shortlisted teams stood before expert panels to defend visions that bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern data intelligence.
Behind every submitted AI solution was a young entrepreneur eager to protect local destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and elevate service delivery.
When the twelve winners were finally honoured, the celebration transformed into something much greater than an awards ceremony.
It served as a powerful reminder that the true engine of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation is its youth. Armed with code, creativity, and a profound love for their country, these young visionaries are ensuring that when travelers explore Sri Lanka, they do not just witness the future – they feel the heartbeat of a new, digitally empowered era of hospitality.
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