The Hon. (Dr.) Nandana Millagala

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, as a Government determined to push forward economically and socially, I am pleased to speak on this important Bill. This Act was first presented in 2022. The Opposition claimed there was no proper study; however, we have used all pages of Act No. 9 of 2022, and closely examined about 14 clauses relevant to these amendments. We are not rubber-stamping papers; we are attempting through this law to bring a major transformation to our living society, taking responsible, farsighted decisions.

¶ 02 The Act focuses on personal data protection and also on special categories of sensitive data: ethnicity, caste, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual life, health information, trade union membership, as well as genetic and biometric data. As we transition into a digital economy, paying special attention to such sensitive data is vital. We remember how in the past some acted like data thieves regarding genetic and biometric data. Those very “data thieves” now bring regressive criticisms. It does not matter whether in Government or Opposition — this is our country, and we are striving to rise. The world saw and accepted our challenges, even labelling us bankrupt.

¶ 03 Those who governed before must take responsibility. They tried to hide information while planning to sell off our forest systems and biodiversity for profit. Today, our Government has implemented many programmes for World Environment Day and declared “Nilgala Dome” a protected area, reversing past neglect.

¶ 04 In my Kegalle District, the fish known as “Bandula Pethiya” now survives only at Galapitamada. I believe, perhaps for the first time in the world, a small reserve has been declared for a single species — for a fish. Protecting such species also highlights our biodiversity and supports future development.

¶ 05 What we pass today is not just paper; it concerns people’s lives, biodiversity, and sensitive societal issues. We bring these amendments to strengthen our digital economy. Advanced countries with modern technologies adopt such laws, largely based on GDPR principles, adapted suitably for Sri Lanka.

¶ 06 This Act grants data subjects rights, including the right of access, rectification, erasure when retention is unnecessary, withdrawal of consent, and the right to object to certain processing. Thus, data subjects can protect their personal data while engaging in digital development.

¶ 07 Overall, this Act protects privacy on one side and expands safe, identity-preserving innovation space on the other. Balancing both, it aims to help the country rise. Moving in harmony with GDPR, Sri Lanka takes a remarkable approach for the coming decades. Through our digital economic policy adapted to Sri Lanka’s context, we can take the country to a more advanced place. Thank you for the time.