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Technology, Digital Inclusion, and Internet Governance

Day 02, Session 03 of IGF Sri Lanka 2024 focused on the intersection of technology, digital inclusion, and Internet governance, examining how policy, innovation, and inclusive design can contribute to a more accessible, trusted, and multilingual Internet.

The session addressed a range of key thematic areas, including assistive technologies and universal design principles, digital inclusion and accessibility, digital rights, multilingual Internet and Internet localization, universal acceptance, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and data governance and trust on the Internet. Discussions emphasized the importance of inclusive-by-design approaches and policy coherence to ensure that technological advancement benefits all segments of society.

Panelists highlighted the need to strengthen accessibility frameworks, promote local language content, and integrate ethical and rights-based approaches into emerging technologies such as AI and data-driven systems. The session underscored the role of multistakeholder collaboration in addressing digital divides and ensuring that Internet governance frameworks remain inclusive, transparent, and future-ready.

The session featured contributions from government, academia, the private sector, the technical community, and civil society, reflecting the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.

Panelists and moderators included:

• Prof. Anuradha Jayakody – Head, Department of Computer Systems Engineering, SLIIT
• Mr. Thareendra Kalpage – Co-founder, Digital Zyndicate
• Ms. Manique Gunarathne – Manager, Specialized Training Centre, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
• Mr. Isuru Samaratunga – Senior Researcher, LIRNEasia
• Mr. Michael Lu – UX Architect, Sysco LABS Sri Lanka
• Mr. Prasanna Kuruppu – Independent Researcher and Consultant, Disability Affairs
• Dr. Thusitha Abeysekara – Head, Legal Studies Unit, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
• Mr. Ishan Jalill – Founder and President, Ability for Action
• Mr. Chamila Liyanage – Research Assistant, Language Technology Research Laboratory, University of Colombo School of Computing
• Prof. Sandagomi Coperahewa – Head, Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo
• Mr. Mahindasiri H.R. – Chief Executive Officer, Procons Infotech
• Mr. Harsha Wijayawardhana – Chief Operating Officer, Theekshana R&D
• Mr. Indika Hiran Wijesinghe – Deputy Director (IT), Sri Lanka Tea Board
• Dr. Kaneeka Vidanage (PhD) – Head, Department of Computer Science, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
• Ms. Sachini Herath – Head of AI Solutions, Dialog Axiata
• Dr. Kasun Gunawardana – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo School of Computing
• Mr. Chamil Jeewantha – Software Engineering Manager, MAD Mobile LK

The session concluded with a shared recognition of the need to advance inclusive digital policies, strengthen accessibility and localization efforts, and build trust in emerging technologies, supported by sustained multistakeholder engagement.

Internet Society Foundation and Internet Society (Strategic Partner)

APNIC Foundation (Silver Sponsor)

ICANN and OSSEC Inc. (Bronze Sponsors)

BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT (Award Sponsor)

TV Derana (Electronic Media Partner)\

Flare Global (Social Media Partner)

Dialog Enterprise (Enterprise Connectivity Partner)

Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN) (Volunteer Partner)

Women and Youth in Internet Governance

Day 01, Session 02 of IGF Sri Lanka 2024 addressed the roles of women and youth in Internet governance, with a focus on inclusive participation, digital empowerment, and online safety. The session examined how women and young people can meaningfully engage in Internet governance processes and benefit from opportunities within the digital economy.

Discussions covered key thematic areas including women’s participation in the technology sector, the role of women and youth in Internet governance frameworks, internet addiction and online scam prevention, digital freelancing and entrepreneurship, secure online transactions, and emerging opportunities for youth in the digital ecosystem. Panelists highlighted the importance of capacity building, awareness, and policy coherence to ensure safe, equitable, and inclusive access to digital opportunities.

The session featured contributions from representatives of government, the private sector, academia, the technical community, and civil society, reflecting a multistakeholder approach. Speakers emphasized the need to strengthen digital literacy, promote responsible Internet use, and create enabling environments that support women- and youth-led innovation.

Panelists and moderators included:

• Udara Dharmasena – Secretary, DMASL
• Sachindra Samararatne – Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA
• Dinesh Jebamani – Vice President and Head of Digital Marketing, DFCC Bank
• Dilanka Sanjaya – Managing Director, FONIX Software Solutions
• Sandun Shanaka Dilshan – Community Leader, Fiverr
• Subash Chandra Bowse – Country Director (Sri Lanka and Maldives), BPC Banking Technologies
• Gumindu Garuka Kulatunga – Consultant in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
• A. D. M. A. Herath – Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
• Sashika Suren – Head of Systems Security and SRE Architect, Axiata Digital Labs
• Pradeep Sylva – Consultant in Health Informatics, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
• Bani Chandrasena – Chairperson, DCLK
• Dilrukshi Gamage – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo School of Computing
• Janaki Kathriarachchi – Founder and Managing Director, Ranbath Organic Food (Pvt) Ltd and Three Star Organic Farm (Pvt) Ltd

The session concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued multistakeholder collaboration to advance inclusive Internet governance, strengthen digital skills, and ensure safer online environments for women and youth.

Internet Society Foundation and Internet Society (Strategic Partner)

APNIC Foundation (Silver Sponsor)

ICANN and OSSEC Inc. (Bronze Sponsors)

BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT (Award Sponsor)

TV Derana (Electronic Media Partner)\

Flare Global (Social Media Partner)

Dialog Enterprise (Enterprise Connectivity Partner)

Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN) (Volunteer Partner)

Day 01, Session 01 of IGF Sri Lanka 2024 featured insightful and forward-looking discussions on critical aspects of Internet governance and multistakeholder collaboration. The session explored a range of timely topics, including Internet Governance and the Digital Economy, Multistakeholderism in Internet Governance, Safer Internet Practices, Privacy, and Regulatory Frameworks, highlighting their significance in shaping an inclusive and trusted digital ecosystem.

LKSIG was honoured by the presence of the Chief Guest of IGF Sri Lanka 2024, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Engineer Eranga Weeraratne, whose participation underscored the Government’s commitment to advancing a robust and inclusive digital economy.

LKSIG extends its sincere appreciation to its distinguished panelists and moderators for generously sharing their expertise and perspectives:

• Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala – Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy
• Mr. Sachindra Samararatne – Associate Chief Digital Economy Officer, ICTA
• Mr. Sandun Hapugoda – Country Manager (Sri Lanka & Maldives), Mastercard
• Mr. Yash Agarwal – Stakeholder Engagement Manager, South Asia, ICANN
• Mr. Asela Waidyalankara – Managing Director, Talos Consulting (Pvt) Ltd
• Dr. Upendra Pieris – Chief Executive Officer, OREL IT
• Mr. Mahesh Atapattu – Chief Information Officer / Chief Information Security Officer, OREL IT
• Mr. Indika Rajakaruna – Senior Manager, Information Security, National Development Bank (NDB)
• Ms. Samantha de Soysa – Privacy-focused Attorney-at-Law
• Mr. Senalike Devalawatte (SD) – Manager, Information Security, SLCERT|CC

Their contributions enriched the dialogue and reinforced the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing emerging Internet governance challenges.

LKSIG also extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its partners and sponsors for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of IGF Sri Lanka 2024:

• Strategic Partner: Internet Society Foundation / Internet Society
• Silver Sponsor: APNIC Foundation
• Bronze Sponsors: ICANN, OSSEC Inc.
• Award Sponsor: BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT
• Electronic Media Partner: TV Derana
• Social Media Partner: Flare Global
• Enterprise Connectivity Partner: Dialog Enterprise
• Volunteer Partner: LEARN

Their continued commitment and collaboration played a vital role in making IGF Sri Lanka 2024 a meaningful and impactful national Internet governance platform.

For the third time, the Lanka School on Internet Governance (LKSIG) successfully hosted IGF Sri Lanka 2024 on 12–13 December 2024 at Mandarina Colombo, under the theme “Empowering the Internet Through Multistakeholderism.” The forum featured five thematic tracks, ten high-level panel discussions, and the participation of over 50 expert panelists, offering diverse perspectives on critical and emerging issues in Internet governance.

IGF Sri Lanka 2024 convened a broad cross-section of the Internet governance ecosystem, including policymakers, civil society representatives, industry leaders, the technical community, academia, and decision-makers to engage in open, inclusive, and equal-footing dialogue. The discussions focused on addressing pressing Internet governance challenges while exploring opportunities to strengthen a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred digital future.

The inauguration ceremony marked a strong beginning to the forum, bringing together key leaders and stakeholders who set the tone for two days of insightful discussions, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on multistakeholder Internet governance.

We extends its sincere appreciation to all its distinguished panelists, moderators, partners, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions and continued support in making IGF Sri Lanka 2024 a meaningful and impactful platform.

Strategic Partner Internet Society FoundationInternet Society

Silver Sponsor APNIC Foundation

Bronze Sponsors ICANN @OSSEC.Inchttps://www.ossec.co.jp/ , Award Sponsor BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Electronic Media Partner TV Derana

Social Media Partner Flare Global

Enterprise Connectivity Partner https://business.dialog.lk/ and Volunteer Partner LEARN for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of IGF Sri Lanka 2024.