Abstract:
This research explores the pivotal role of commercial law and cybercrime legislation in
promoting economic development and strengthening democratic governance in Sri Lanka. As
the nation transitions into a digital economy, understanding the interplay between legal
frameworks, development, and democracy becomes essential. The study examines existing
commercial laws and cybercrime legislation, offering a comparative analysis with international
standards to identify systemic strengths and gaps. It evaluates how commercial law facilitates
business operations, investment, and entrepreneurship, while cybercrime legislation addresses
the rise in digital threats, ensuring business confidence and the protection of digital
infrastructure. Crucially, the research emphasizes how legal enforcement strengthens
democratic principles by enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust. Effective
laws are shown to reinforce governance structures that support democratic ideals. Case studies
of legal reforms and landmark judgments are employed to illustrate these connections. Data
collection involves qualitative methods, including document analysis of legislative texts, policy
papers, and judicial decisions, alongside semi structured interviews with legal professionals,
policymakers, and business stakeholders. Quantitative data from government and international
reports are also utilized to assess trends in economic performance and cybercrime statistics.
Analysis techniques include thematic content analysis to interpret qualitative data and
comparative legal analysis to benchmark Sri Lanka’s frameworks against international models.
Triangulation ensures credibility by cross-verifying data sources. Findings reveal that while
legal reforms have improved the commercial and digital legal landscape, enforcement
inefficiencies and legislative gaps persist. The study recommends strengthening institutional
capacities, updating legal frameworks to reflect technological advancements, and promoting
legal literacy. These reforms can enhance Sri Lanka’s ability to leverage law as a tool for
inclusive development and democratic consolidation. Ultimately, the research highlights the critical nexus between law, development, and democracy, advocating for continuous legal
modernization and international collaboration to meet future challenges.
