A strategic dialogue on safeguarding national security in the digital age was held at the National Defence College (NDC) in Colombo, as part of its ‘Diners’ Club’ event.

Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), the Deputy Minister of Defence attended the event as the Guest Speaker and delivered an address on the theme, ‘Safeguarding National Security in the Digital Age’.

A key focus of the address was the need for stronger coordination between state institutions and the private sector to counter cyber threats, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen national cybersecurity, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The discussion highlighted the increasing dependence of essential services, including banking systems, the power grid, hospitals, airports and government services, on digital infrastructure, underscoring the importance of a coordinated approach to addressing emerging cyber threats.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening governance, upholding the rule of law, combating corruption and advancing digital transformation to restore public trust.

The address further explored the need to balance fiscal stability with strategic reforms to promote sustainable economic growth and social resilience.

Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical position in the global economy was another area of discussion, with particular attention given to maritime connectivity and the role of major ports as key assets for economic development and international trade, according to the Defence Ministry.

The event was followed by an interactive discussion during which local and foreign course participants shared their perspectives on the theme. The engagement underscored the importance of developing visionary leaders capable of addressing emerging national and international challenges.

Major General Chamila Munasinghe (Retd), Commandant of the NDC, expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Minister for attending the event and sharing his knowledge and insights with the course participants.