Law in the Age of Innovation: Evaluating Sri Lanka’s Response to Rapid Technological Change

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital technologies has significantly reshaped legal, economic, and social landscapes worldwide, and Sri Lanka is no exception. This research investigates the evolving interplay between law and technology in Sri Lanka, concentrating on the legal system’s adaptation to emerging digital challenges while striving to leverage technological advancements for the transformation of the justice sector. Key areas of analysis include cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, digital evidence, and the modernization of court processes. Sri Lanka’s legal framework has taken notable steps forward with the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Act No. 9 of 2022, the Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024, the expansion of the Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007, and the increasing judicial acceptance of electronic evidence under the Evidence (Special Provisions) Act No. 14 of 1995. However, technological development continues to outpace legislation, resulting in gaps related to AI governance, algorithmic accountability, digital surveillance practices, and online consumer protection. The study explores how these gaps affect individual rights, data sovereignty, transparency, and due process. Furthermore, the research evaluates the emerging digital transformation of Sri Lanka’s judiciary, including electronic filing, virtual hearings, and digital case-management systems. While these innovations promise greater access to justice and efficiency, challenges such as digital inequality, inadequate infrastructure, and limited cybersecurity preparedness create obstacles to full implementation. Drawing from comparative legal jurisdictions and regional experiences, the study identifies reforms needed to modernize Sri Lanka’s legal framework. This research is intended to propose AI regulation, enhance cyber-governance, improve institutional technological capacity, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and legal practitioners. Ultimately, the research concluded the necessity for a forward-looking, technology-responsive legal system capable of safeguarding rights and promoting innovation in Sri Lanka’s rapidly digitizing society.