Definition of Data

data is not defined

Main Focus of Document

This is an Act to recognize and facilitate the formation of contracts, the creation and exchange of data messages, electronic documents, electronic records and other communications in electronic form in Sri Lanka.

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

businesses, government, citizens

Key Elements

The objectives of the Act are to:
(a) facilitate domestic and international electronic commerce by eliminating legal barriers and establishing legal certainty;
(b) encourage the use of reliable forms of electronic commerce;
(c) facilitate electronic filling of documents with the government and to promote efficient delivery of government services by means of reliable forms of electronic communications ; and
(d) promote public confidence in the authenticity, integrity and reliability of data messages, electronic documents, electronic records or other communications.

Key elements of the Act include:
3. No data message, electronic document, electronic record or other communication shall be denied legal recognition, effect, validity or enforceability on the ground that it is in electronic form.

11. In the context of contract formation, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, an offer and the acceptance of an offer may be expressed in electronic form. A contract shall not be denied legal validity or enforceability on the sole ground that it is in electronic form.

12. (1) Unless otherwise agreed as between an originator and the addressee, a data message, electronic document, electronic record or other communication shall be deemed to be that of the originator, if it was sent
(a) by the originator himself;
(b) by a person who had the authority to act for and on behalf of the originator in respect of that data message, electronic document, electronic record or other communication; or
(c) by an automated information system programmed by, or on behalf of, the originator.

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

n/a