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Sri Lankan Personal Data Protection Act

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
LKR 10M
Scope
National
Regulator
DPA
Enacted
2022

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Overview

The Personal Data Protection Act establishes comprehensive requirements for the protection of personal data in Sri Lanka, enforced by the Data Protection Authority.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2022
  • Enforced by Data Protection Authority
  • Includes strict data protection requirements

Key Principles

Lawfulness and Consent

Personal data must be processed lawfully and with proper authorization.

Requirements

  • Obtain valid consent
  • Identify legal basis
  • Document processing grounds
  • Regular compliance reviews
  • Maintain consent records

Examples

  • Consent mechanisms
  • Legal basis documentation
  • Processing records
  • Compliance reports

Transparency

Organizations must be transparent about their data processing activities.

Requirements

  • Clear privacy notices
  • Processing purpose disclosure
  • Data sharing information
  • Rights notification
  • Regular updates

Examples

  • Privacy policies
  • Data processing notices
  • Rights information
  • Communication records

Data Security

Implementation of appropriate security measures to protect personal data.

Requirements

  • Security risk assessments
  • Technical safeguards
  • Staff training
  • Incident response
  • Regular audits

Examples

  • Security protocols
  • Training programs
  • Incident plans
  • Audit reports

Compliance Requirements

Registration Requirements

Organizations must register with the Data Protection Authority before processing personal data.

Implementation Steps

  • Submit registration application
  • Document processing activities
  • Pay registration fees
  • Maintain registration status
  • Update when changes occur

Required Documentation

  • Registration certificates
  • Processing records
  • Payment receipts
  • Status updates
  • Change notifications

Data Protection Measures

Implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures.

Implementation Steps

  • Conduct risk assessments
  • Implement security controls
  • Train staff on security
  • Regular security audits
  • Document security measures

Required Documentation

  • Security policies
  • Risk assessments
  • Training records
  • Audit reports
  • Security documentation

Cross-Border Transfers

Requirements for transferring personal data outside Sri Lanka.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess recipient country adequacy
  • Implement transfer safeguards
  • Obtain necessary approvals
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer assessments
  • Safeguard documentation
  • Approval records
  • Transfer logs
  • Monitoring reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Penalties

The Data Protection Authority can impose administrative penalties for violations of the Personal Data Protection Act.

Penalty Categories

Severe Violations
Up to LKR 10M
For serious breaches of data protection requirements
Processing Violations
Up to LKR 5M
For unauthorized processing of personal data
Documentation Violations
Up to LKR 2M
For failure to maintain required documentation

Example Cases

Financial Institution
LKR 8M
2023 - Unauthorized data sharing with third parties
Technology Company
LKR 4M
2022 - Insufficient security measures leading to data breach

Criminal Penalties

Serious violations may result in criminal prosecution.

Penalty Categories

Intentional Violations
Up to LKR 10M and imprisonment
For deliberate violations of the law
False Statements
Up to LKR 5M
For providing false information to authorities
Obstruction
Up to LKR 2M
For obstructing investigations

Example Cases

Data Breach Case
LKR 7M
2023 - Intentional exposure of sensitive personal data
Compliance Violation
LKR 3M
2022 - Repeated non-compliance with authority orders