The ‘Lanka Change Makers’ Organisation has taken steps to actively intervene against various forms of cyber crimes faced by Sri Lankans.
Lanka Change Makers said that a programme titled “Cyber Discipline” will be introduced as a solution to socially sensitive issues such as Cyber Harassment, Cyber Bullying and Illegal Online Stalking.
The organisation announced this at a press conference held yesterday (06) at the “Radical Centre” in Colombo which was attended by social activist Chathura Rajapakshe, journalist Manohari Hewawasam, social media activist Thushara Sevwandi Witharana and literary scholar Chaminda Gunasinghe.
Lanka Change Makers is a group that goes beyond criticizing the current political, economic, social and cultural issues in Sri Lanka and instead focuses more on creating solutions and implementing them.
Mr. Rajapakshe highlighted the urgent need to include knowledge about Cyber Discipline in the school syllabi in order to provide basic knowledge about cyber space and related devices to the Sri Lankan children.
He pointed out the need to prepare a sustainable national programme by bringing together the parties who are currently working individually and in groups to educate the society regarding Cyber Discipline.
Literary scholar Gunasinghe emphasized the need to work together with relevant parties to strictly implement the law regarding various activities that are taking place in cyberspace. He also highlighted the timely adoption of laws to establish a formal legal system related to cyber discipline.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hevawasam explained how popular individuals including artistes face various issues due to illegal activities in cyberspace.
Building a Discourse on Cyber Discipline:
Ms. Sevwandi commented on the intervention of Lanka Change Makers in relation to building a discourse related to Cyber Discipline in the Sri Lankan media sector, and in publishing related news in the mainstream media in a way which is not unfair to the victim.
A programme called “Dear Bubble” would be introduced by Lanka Change Makers to address mental health related issues of the people affected by various malpractices in cyberspace.
Lanka Change Makers further said that the proposal prepared in consultation with various parties for a new legislation related to these matters will be released soon followed by a conference.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has opened a probe following a complaint by Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe that his staff have been unduly targeted by false allegations on social media.
The AG’s instruction to the CID came after several of his staff complained to him over the allegation on social media.
Particularly targeted are senior AG’s Department officials awaiting promotions, sources said.
In one of the posts, a senior officer was accused of being supportive of granting bail to Thamil Makkal Viduthal Puligal (TMVP) leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, when his fundamental rights application over his arrest was taken up. During the hearing of the FR case, the matter of bail was not even considered, the sources said.
Another allegation was that in a case related to the suspended Police Chief Deshabandu Tennakoon, the AG prevented a senior officer from representing the department and instead sent a junior officer. However, on the particular day, the senior officer was indisposed, the sources said.
These allegations surface as the AG’s Department has filed more than 600 new indictments in High Courts so far this year, while the Bribery Commission has also referred several bribery and corruption cases to the AG for prosecution.
(sundaytimes.lk) (This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra participated at the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum (CSACF), held from 18 to 21 June 2025 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. This year’s Exposition held particular significance for Sri Lanka as it was featured as the Theme Country of the exposition.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, Deputy Minister Hemachandra emphasized the importance of regional unity and shared progress, a crucial factor for South Asia, with its demographic strength and strategic location, increasing share of global trade, and cultural and intellectual assets. He invited investors and partners from China and South Asia to explore opportunities in key sectors, including infrastructure, technology, green energy, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
On 20 June 2025, the Deputy Minister held bilateral discussions with the Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, where future collaboration in areas such as processed food, apparel, agriculture, and tourism were explored. He expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in technical assistance and knowledge exchange, including opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to gain exposure to Yunnan’s expertise in the cut flower industry, a sector in which the province is globally recognized as the ‘Kingdom of Flora and Fauna’.
The Sri Lanka Theme Pavilion was officially inaugurated on 19 June 2025 at the Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe. Minister Samarasinghe also delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony.
Sri Lanka’s presence at the Exposition showcased a vibrant display of its economic strengths and cultural heritage. A wide range of high-value exports and services were exhibited including gems and jewellery, Ceylon Tea, coconut-based products and fiber, spices, organic and wellness products, handicrafts, batiks, confectionery, and processed foods. Sri Lanka’s participation aimed to strengthen trade ties, enhance export potential, and increase market access for Sri Lankan businesses in China and South Asia.