COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide initiative to connect critical government institutions to its National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC) as part of efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential public services, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said on Tuesday.

Issuing a statement, the PMD said the program follows a Cabinet decision to integrate state agencies that operate critical information infrastructure into a centralized system for real-time threat monitoring, early warning alerts, and coordinated incident response.

The PMD said the move reflects growing recognition that cybersecurity is a matter of national security, economic stability, and public trust rather than merely a technical concern.

The second phase of the initiative, which will link remaining government institutions, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, the PMD said. Officials also plan training and awareness programs for public servants.

The new mechanism aims to help prevent disruptions from ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other cyber threats, the PMD said.

Cyberattacks on government agencies have increased in frequency in recent years.