On June 25, 2026, Visa successfully organized the Visa Sri Lanka Cybersecurity Conclave 2026, bringing together key figures from the banking sector, government, regulatory bodies, and industry organizations. The goal of the event was to encourage discussions regarding the evolving cyber threat landscape and the collaborative efforts necessary to enhance cyber resilience within Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
As the use of digital payments continues to grow, maintaining robust cybersecurity measures is essential for fostering trust, safeguarding consumers and businesses, and promoting a more inclusive digital economy. The conclave provided a dedicated forum for discussions on emerging cyber threats, strategies for fraud prevention, regulatory preparedness, and the importance of public-private partnerships in protecting consumers, businesses, and the broader financial ecosystem.
The event included expert-led sessions from Visa executives, which addressed various topics such as the current cyber threat landscape, AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, Visa Cyber Solutions and Advisory services, risk management, and AI-enhanced fraud prevention featuring Featurespace. These discussions highlighted the increasing complexity of cyberattacks and fraudulent activities, particularly as AI technology introduces new challenges for financial institutions, regulators, and businesses.
A senior-level panel discussion featured prominent figures including Mr. Sirikumara Kudagama, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Mr. Waruna Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy; Brigadier K.V.P. Dhammika, Director of Cyber Command and Information Warfare Centre; Mr. Kapila Hettihamu, Chief Risk Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon; and Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives at Visa. This panel examined the evolving cyber risk landscape in Sri Lanka and emphasized the necessity for enhanced readiness within the financial sector. Key points included the importance of proactive threat intelligence, real-time response capabilities, improved information sharing, capacity building, solid regulatory frameworks, and the implementation of cutting-edge security solutions to help institutions mitigate emerging risks.
Mr. Waruna Dhanapala articulated the significance of cybersecurity as a national priority, stating, “As Sri Lanka progresses in its digital transformation, ensuring robust cybersecurity is essential for maintaining trust within the digital economy. The growth of digital payments and technology-driven commerce creates substantial opportunities but also necessitates coordinated efforts, strong protective measures, and trustworthy collaborations. Events like the Visa Sri Lanka Cybersecurity Conclave 2026 are crucial for uniting government officials, regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders to share insights, tackle emerging risks, and bolster collective resilience. We appreciate the contributions of global payment leaders like Visa in empowering Sri Lanka’s digital ecosystem through their expertise and collaborative efforts. This conclave was a timely initiative to reinforce our shared responsibility in establishing a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital economy.”
Avanthi Colombage remarked on the conclave’s success, stating, “As Sri Lanka’s digital economy expands, ensuring cybersecurity is vital for fostering trust in digital payments. Visa is dedicated to collaborating closely with regulators, financial institutions, and partners in the ecosystem to facilitate safer and more resilient digital commerce for both consumers and businesses. The responsibility for enhancing cyber resilience does not rest with a single entity; it demands collaboration, preparedness, and ongoing investment throughout the ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Visa Sri Lanka Cybersecurity Conclave 2026, Visa is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem with global expertise, practical insights, and security-oriented solutions that safeguard the future of digital commerce in the country.”
The sessions also emphasized the importance of intelligence-driven risk management and advanced fraud prevention strategies in addressing upcoming threats while ensuring seamless payment experiences for legitimate customers. Visa highlighted its cyber advisory services and fraud prevention tools, including Featurespace, which aid organizations in detecting and preventing financial crime using behavioral analytics and data-driven insights.
The conclave witnessed significant participation from banks, regulators, and industry stakeholders, underscoring the rising importance of cybersecurity and fraud deterrence within the local financial sector. It reinforced the need for ongoing collaboration, shared accountability, and innovation to create a secure and resilient digital payments landscape.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
