Asela Waidyalankara is a distinguished Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation professional from Sri Lanka, with over 15 years of experience spanning progressive technology, digital strategy, and policy development.
Recognized for his expertise and leadership in cybersecurity, Asela has received multiple awards for his outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the field. His thought leadership is reflected in numerous publications on cybersecurity, data privacy, digital transformation, and IT policy. sustainable.
Among his recent works, Asela authored an article for Direct EU Cyber Direct, the European Union’s Cyber Diplomacy Initiative, which supports international digital engagement and the strengthening of a rules-based order in cyberspace. The initiative is affiliated with the European Institute of Strategic Studies, and notably, Asela’s article marked the first time a Sri Lankan author has been featured in this prestigious global publication.
A regular commentator on both local and international media, Asela shares timely insights on cybersecurity, digital governance, and emerging technology trends. As a passionate speaker and coach, he has delivered keynote addresses and conducted workshops at major global conferences, engaging audiences across diverse sectors on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).
Asela holds the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan to participate in a global cybersecurity panel organized by the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI).
In 2023, he was invited by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to join the Global Policy Discussion on Cybersecurity, held with 150 global experts to set the policy direction ahead of Davos 2024, another first for Sri Lanka.
In 2024, he represented Sri Lanka at the U.S. State Department’s prestigious AI Connect II Program, which convenes policymakers, academics, and practitioners from around the world to advance responsible AI governance and regional collaboration on ethical AI strategies.
Continuing his engagement in global policy discourse, in 2025, Asela was selected as a Research Group Member at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) for its Fall 2025 cohort, joining an international network of experts committed to promoting human-centered, accountable, and rights-based approaches to AI and digital policy.
In addition to his policy and advocacy work, Asela actively mentors emerging professionals through online programs and training initiatives, fostering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
A respected voice in Sri Lanka’s technology landscape, Asela Waidyalankara exemplifies professional excellence, thought leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing cybersecurity and AI awareness in pursuit of a secure and inclusive digital future.