Pandemics are critical contexts that requires agile response by countries with low resources. The study aims at identifying sociotechnical determinants in addition to the technology in-troducing and agile response for pandemic surveillance. Qualitative methods were utilised in assessing the case study of COVID-19 surveillance system implementation in Sri Lanka. The study identifies a mix of governance and multisec-tor collaboration, leveraging on existing capacity, obtaining best use of a lightweight platform and networking with global community of practice as sociotechnical determinants in the country's swift response during the pandemic.