News
New ‘Personal Data Protection Bill’ in Parliament soon
The government has presented a new ‘Personal Data Protection Bill’ to regulate the processing of personal data and to provide for the designation of a ‘Data Protection Authority’ (DPA).
The Bill states that it has been introduced to facilitate the growth and innovation in the digital economy of Sri Lanka whilst protecting personal data rights.
“It has become necessary to improve interoperability among personal data protection frameworks as well as to strengthen cross-border cooperation among personal data protection enforcement authorities. It has become necessary for the government to provide for a legal framework to provide mechanisms for the protection of personal data of people ensuring consumer trust and safeguarding privacy whilst respecting domestic written laws and applicable international legal instruments,” the Preamble of the Bill states.
The Bill has made it compulsory to obtain the approval of a data subject (the person to whom the personal data relates) if his or her personal data is used in direct marketing and other such purposes.
“A controller may use postal services, telecommunications services, electronic means or any other similar means for the purposes of disseminating messages only if a data subject has given consent to receive such messages. The controller shall, at the time of collecting contact information and each time where a message is sent, provide to the data subject details on how to opt-out of receiving the solicited messages free,” the Bill states.
The Bill also identifies data protection obligations, rights of data subjects, and duties and functions of the Data Protection Authority. The Bill mentions that a penalty not exceeding Rs.10 million could be imposed on an offender for non-compliance with the provisions in the Bill. The Penalties come into effect only two years after the Speaker certifies the Bill following its passage in Parliament.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
PM returns to the island
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