Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional digital security and combating cross border cyber threats at a high-level diplomatic roundtable held on June 25 alongside MWC Shanghai 2026 at the Kerry Hotel in Shanghai, China.
Organised by the GSMA, the closed-door forum brought together senior government representatives, regulators and industry leaders from across the Asia Pacific region to discuss collaborative approaches to building trust in digital services and addressing the growing threat of scams and financial fraud.
Representing Sri Lanka, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, participated in the discussions, reaffirming the country's commitment to building a secure, resilient and trusted digital economy through regional and international cooperation.
The roundtable focused on how policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders across the Asia Pacific and ASEAN regions can work together to combat cross border scams and fraudulent activities that threaten consumer protection, digital services and economic resilience.
Discussions also highlighted the rapidly evolving cyber threats arising from the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, underscoring the need for stronger digital security frameworks, forward looking regulatory policies and enhanced institutional preparedness.
Deputy Minister Weeraratne also participated as a panellist in the session titled "Building a Secure and Resilient Digital Future: AI, Automation and the Next Frontier of Anti Scam Defence." During the discussion, panellists stressed the importance of advancing anti scam technologies, encouraging greater private sector investment in cybersecurity innovation, and harnessing the benefits of AI while effectively managing its associated risks.
The session further emphasised the need to strengthen international cooperation through the exchange of best practices, operational experience and common principles.
The roundtable opened with remarks by Jeanette Whyte, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs for Asia Pacific at GSMA.
Also representing Sri Lanka was Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).
