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.
Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 02), the Department of Meteorology said.
A few showers may occur in the Jaffna and Mannar districts.
Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.
This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.
“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”
Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.
He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.
“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.
