Sri Lanka’s Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has reviewed measures being taken by police to tackle cybercrime, illegal online gambling and financial fraud.The committee, chaired by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, met in Parliament on Aug. 21, with officials outlining steps taken to block websites linked to illegal gambling and other unlawful activities.Officials said legal action has also been taken against foreign nationals allegedly involved in cybercrime while staying in Sri Lanka. Arrangements are being made to deport some of them in coordination with their respective embassies.
The committee was told that police are strengthening their cybercrime investigation capacity by recruiting software engineers and lawyers with technical and legal expertise. Newly recruited officers are also to receive field and overseas training.Officials and committee members discussed plans to introduce new technology and establish a centralized system capable of supporting faster investigations into cybercrime and financial fraud.The meeting also addressed difficulties in exchanging information with foreign agencies over crimes involving cryptocurrencies, with officials saying coordination efforts were underway to address those obstacles.
The committee further discussed strengthening community policing, protecting sensitive information received through Community Security Committees and speeding up police investigations through greater use of modern technology and public cooperation.
