Online Certificate Course in Digital Law is set to commence on 6 May 2026 as the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expands its efforts to strengthen professional capacity in emerging legal domains.
BASL introduces Online Certificate Course in Digital Law for professionals
The Online Certificate Course in Digital Law will be conducted weekly on Wednesdays from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. over an 11-week period. Delivered entirely online, the programme is open to Attorneys-at-Law, law students, and professionals interested in understanding the evolving legal landscape of the digital economy.
BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya emphasized the growing importance of legal literacy in technology-driven environments, noting that rapid digital transformation is reshaping business, governance, and everyday life. He stated that the Online Certificate Course in Digital Law is designed to equip participants with a practical understanding of regulatory frameworks and legal implications tied to digital innovation.
The course has been curated by Program Chair Jayantha Fernando, a Senior Consultant in Technology Law, Privacy, and Artificial Intelligence, and former Chair of Sri Lanka CERT. His involvement brings a strong blend of policy insight and industry expertise to the programme, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current technological and regulatory developments.
Fernando highlighted that digital law is advancing at a pace that often outstrips legislative reform, creating a critical need for legal professionals to understand the intersection of technology, governance, and compliance. The Online Certificate Course in Digital Law aims to address this gap by providing structured and practical insights into key areas shaping the digital ecosystem.
Participants will be introduced to a wide range of subject areas, including intellectual property rights in the digital era, data protection frameworks, and cybersecurity regulations. The programme will also examine cybercrime legislation, including international conventions such as the Budapest Convention, alongside emerging regulatory responses in Sri Lanka.
Further topics include the legal dimensions of electronic commerce, digital transactions, and electronic evidence, reflecting the increasing reliance on digital platforms in commercial activities. The course will also explore telecommunications regulation and its role in supporting national digitisation strategies.
A notable component of the programme is its focus on artificial intelligence and fintech. Sessions will address regulatory approaches to artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and its implications for legal practice. In parallel, the curriculum will cover digital banking, mobile payments, and fintech regulation, highlighting the legal frameworks governing financial innovation.
The course also places emphasis on privacy and data protection, areas that have gained prominence amid growing concerns over data security and user rights. Participants will gain insights into compliance obligations, risk management strategies, and evolving policy frameworks in the digital environment.
In addition to technical knowledge, the programme incorporates discussions on professional responsibility and ethical considerations in digital law. This includes practical guidance on navigating legal challenges arising from technological disruption while maintaining professional standards.
The Online Certificate Course in Digital Law will feature contributions from both local and international experts, reflecting the interdisciplinary and global nature of the subject. This diversity of perspectives is expected to enhance the learning experience and provide participants with a broader understanding of digital legal systems.
BASL noted that the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to advancing legal education and supporting continuous professional development. By introducing specialised programmes in emerging fields, the association aims to ensure that legal practitioners and related professionals remain equipped to address the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Registrations for the course are now open. Interested applicants may contact the Bar Association of Sri Lanka via telephone at 077 588 8781 or email at [email protected]
or [email protected]
for further details.