In recent years, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in combating cybercrime. The collaboration with the GLACY+ (Global Action on Cybercrime Extended) and GLACY-e (Global Action on Cybercrime Enhanced) projects was a key factor in mobilising and engaging the national stakeholders . in enhancing the capabilities of Sri Lankan authorities in addressing cyber threats and fortifying its criminal justice system.
Sri Lanka benefited mainly from the support in the harmonisation of the domestic legal framework on cybercrime and data protection with the international standards, building the institutional capacities for the cybercrime specialised units and growing knowledge of police and judiciary on cybercrime and electronic evidence. They have provided the tools, knowledge, and international support necessary to create a secure cyber environment.
Sri Lanka's involvement in various GLACY+ and GLACY-e project activities underscores the depth and breadth of this fruitful cooperation. Sri Lankan participants actively engaged in the Underground Economy Conferences in both 2022 and 2023, which focused on cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and open-source intelligence. These conferences had not only an educational purpose but also fostered vital international cooperation, allowing Sri Lankan representatives to exchange knowledge and strategies with global counterparts.
The INTERPOL Training Programme on Search, Seizure, and Confiscation of Online Crimes, held in Sri Lanka, in May 2023, under the GLACY+ project, further equipped Sri Lankan law enforcement with advanced techniques to tackle online scams and cryptocurrency-related crimes. This training has significantly enhanced the operational readiness of local cybercrime units. A successful collaboration with INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation from Singapore and its resource experts facilitated critical training on tracking and seizing digital assets tied to criminal activities, enabling local authorities to dismantle several sophisticated criminal networks. This success underscores the importance of specialised training in navigating the complex landscape of online crimes, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies and other digital financial instruments.
The GLACY+ project's National Train the Trainers Workshop on Electronic Evidence exemplifies the initiative's commitment to sustainable capacity building. The workshop's dual focus on train the trainers and designing courses for first responders has ensured that Sri Lanka now has access to a self-sustaining system for securing digital and financial evidence. This initiative can be considered a cornerstone in developing a robust and resilient national response to cybercrime in the future.
International collaboration has been an important benchmark of the GLACY+ and GLACY-e initiatives and Sri Lanka's participation in these events has enriched its national strategies and contributed to the collective global effort to combat cyber threats. INTERPOL’s contribution, as partner under the GLACY+/-e projects, is a strong example of how these programs have fostered a global community dedicated to fighting cybercrime.
Other countries should consider joining the GLACY community and the broader Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) framework to benefit from this unparalleled opportunity for growth, cooperation, and enhanced cyber resilience. The story of Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration in the digital age.
Contributor: Dilan Siriwardana, Senior Assistant Director / Head of Intelligence Analysis Division, Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka, 2024.