APB Leads Dialogue on Technology and Cyber Risk Supervision Shaping a Resilient Digital Future

The accelerating pace of digital transformation has brought the financial services industry to a defining juncture, where the growing threat of cyber risk increasingly shadows the opportunities of technological advancement. This pressing reality was at the forefront of a high-level panel discussion held recently, organised under the Continuing Professional Development Committee (CPDC) of the Association of Professional Bankers (APB), at the Bank of Ceylon Head Office Auditorium.

A packed audience comprising professionals from the banking and finance industry, as well as representatives from technology firms, insurance providers, consulting agencies, academia and regulatory institutions, signalled the widespread recognition of cybersecurity and technology risk as issues that extend well beyond the boundaries of finance.

Mrs R M J Patabendige, Senior Assistant Director, Bank Supervision Department, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address. Her remarks emphasised the evolving nature of cyber risk and the crucial role regulators play in strengthening the banking sector’s resilience. She offered valuable insights into how digital innovation must be matched by equally strong risk management frameworks, a balance that is increasingly critical for the long-term sustainability of financial institutions.

The panel brought together a group of distinguished thought leaders, each contributing distinct perspectives shaped by experience across both local and global contexts. Mr Indika Rajakaruna, Vice President of ISACA and an established authority in data governance and cybersecurity, shared lessons from his tenure as a CISO and academic mentor. Ms Sunari Dandeniya, Chief Information Security Officer at Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, discussed practical approaches to embedding cybersecurity at the core of banking operations. As Sri Lanka’s first and only female CISO in the sector, her insights were particularly impactful. Adding a global dimension to the dialogue, Mr Madu Rathnayake, President of international cybersecurity firm Scybers, emphasised the importance of cross-industry collaboration in tackling the increasingly complex nature of cyber threats.

Moderating the discussion was Mr Suresh Emmanuel, Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Vice President at Hatton National Bank PLC, who ensured a dynamic and engaging conversation, encouraging thoughtful exchanges between panellists and participants. The event served as a timely reminder of the interconnected responsibilities shared across sectors in securing a resilient digital future for Sri Lanka, reinforcing the importance of sustained dialogue and collective effort in addressing emerging technology risks.

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Photo Caption:

Image 1: From left to right: Mr. Suresh Emmanuel, Moderator and Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Vice President, Hatton National Bank PLC; Mrs. R. M. J. Patabendige, Senior Assistant Director, Bank Supervision Department, Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Mr. Indika Rajakaruna, Vice President, ISACA; Ms. Sunari Dandeniya, Chief Information Security Officer, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC; and Mr. Madu Rathnayake, President, Scybers.

Image 2: Mr. Anton Arumugam, President of the Association of Professional Bankers – Sri Lanka, addressing the audience.