Keeping in line with the National Policy Framework – Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour – which highlights the importance and values of a technology-based society, Cabinet approved the proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Project Coordinating and Monitoring Namal Rajapaksa to appoint a committee to report to the Cabinet on the Acts, Rules and Regulations to attract investments and investors in the areas of Digital Banking, Blockchain & Blockchain related industries such as crypt- currency
The necessity of developing an integrated system of digital banking, blockchain and cryptocurrency mining technology has been identified to pace on par with the global partners in the region while expanding trade to the International markets.
This committee will be mandated to study the regulations and initiatives of other countries such as Dubai, Malaysia, Philippines, EU, and Singapore etc, and propose a suitable framework for Sri Lanka.
The committee will also study the laws and regulations of other countries in terms of anti- money laundering, terrorism financing, criminal activities, and the Know Your Customer processes.
The committee comprises the following experts in their field: Mr Sujeewa Mudalige
(Chairman), Mr Sadun Hapugoda, Mr D. Kumarathunge, Mr Jayantha Fernando and, Mr Milinda Rajapaksha.
Profiles of the Committee
- Mr. Sujeewa Mudalige – Chairman
Managing Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers Sri Lanka.
Sujeewa Counts over 30 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant. Sujeewa is a FCA (ICA SL), FCMA (CIMA – UK), FCCA (ACCA – UK) and FCPA (CPA – Australia). He has vast experience
as the Audit Committee Chair and as an independent non executive director in both public
and private sector organizations. - Mr. Sandun Hapugoda – Committee Member
Director – Mastercard Sri Lanka & Maldives
With over 19 years of experience in Banking and Payments Industry, currently work as a
Director in Sri Lanka and Maldives for Mastercard. He has led several digital financial
innovations in Sri Lanka and South Asia region throughout his career at Different Finance
institutions. Sandun holds a M.Sc. from Staffordshire University, UK. - Mr. Dharmasri Kumarathunge – Committee Member
Director, Payments & Settlements – Central Bank Of Sri Lanka
Dharmasri Kumaratunge has more than 30 years’ experience in Central Bank. As the Director
of the Payments & Settlements of the CBSL he works as Country Director of the SAARC
Payment Council (SPC), Alternate Country Director of Sri Lanka in Asian Clearing Union (ACU),
Alternate Country Director of SWFIT Alliance, Board Member of Lanka Financial Services
Bureau Ltd, Board Member of National Institute of Business Management (NIBM), Member
of the National Transit Card Implementation Project, Secretary of the National Payment
Council which is the highest decision making body of the Payment system of Sri Lanka. - Mr.Jayantha Fernando – Committee Member
Chief Legal Officer – ICTA.
Jayantha Fernando has over 20 years International & South East Asian experience in a broad
range of ICT legal and policy issues. He is an Attorney by profession with a specialized Masters
Degree in Law (LLM) in Telecommunications & IT Law. He was responsible for drafting Sri
Lanka’s Electronic Transactions Act, Computer Crimes Act and advised Legal Draftsman on the
final draft of the Payment & Settlement Systems Act. He chairs Sri Lanka’s Data Protection
law Drafting Committee. He is a British Chevening Scholar (2002) and an Eisenhower Fellow
(2012). - Mr. Milinda Rajapaksha : Convener to the Committee & Committee Member
Additional Director General, Dept. Govt. Information
Milinda Rajapaksa is a published author and experienced political activist. He holds a MBA
and is a fellow of University of Miami, Florida on Development Communication. He has 15+
experience in political and corporate communications strategy formulation. Having worked
for the United Nations, Ministry of Youth Affairs and co-chaired the World Conference on
Youth in 2014, Milinda has a keen interest in the role of youth in politics and development.