Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sept. 25 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The Defence Cyber Command (DCC), Ministry of Defence, conducted a full-day Cyber Awareness Programme for officials of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in Kurunegala District on 24 September 2026 at the Main Auditorium of the Kurunegala District Secretariat. Conducted under the strategic guidance of the "Clean Sri Lanka" initiative, the programme aimed to strengthen the capacity of frontline officials working with women, children and families by enhancing their awareness of emerging cyber threats, digital risks, online safety, protection of personal and institutional information, and practical measures for addressing cyber-related incidents.
The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Assistant District Secretary of the Kurunegala District Secretariat and brought together 135 officials from the Kurunegala District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariats across the district, including Women Development Officers, Child Rights Promotion Officers/Assistants, Counselling Officers/Assistants, Early Childhood Development Assistants, Child Protection Officers and Psychosocial Officers. The programme strengthened awareness of the importance of digital safety in protecting women and children at district and divisional levels while contributing to broader efforts to enhance cyber resilience and promote a safer and more responsible digital environment.
The programme provided participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical insights into contemporary cybersecurity threats, digital security practices, cybercrime, cyber laws, financial security, and practical measures for protecting digital devices and information. The sessions were delivered by subject-matter experts from the Defence Cyber Command and covered the following key areas:
* Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in the Age of AI and Quantum Technology - Brigadier KVP Dhammika
* Cybersecurity Best Practices: Zero Trust and Daily Digital Hygiene - Lieutenant Commander Meshech Hewawasam and Captain Navindi Thisari
* Mitigating Banking Malware and Securing Online Financial Activities - Lieutenant Colonel Malalasekara Herath
* Live Attack Simulation: Phishing, Social Engineering and Malware - Lieutenant Commander Samith Thisera and Flight Lieutenant Pradeep Kumara.
* Cybercrime: Modus Operandi and Impact on Government Sectors - WSI Dinusha Kariyawasam
* Cyber Laws: Legal Frameworks and Institutional Accountability - Major Sandun Gunawardana.
* Gamified Knowledge Review - Lieutenant Commander Meshech Hewawasam.
The programme strengthened the cyber awareness and digital safety capabilities of officials working with women and children. It provided practical knowledge on identifying cyber threats, protecting sensitive information, adopting secure digital practices, and responding effectively to cyber incidents. Through such initiatives, the Defence Cyber Command continues to support government institutions in enhancing cyber resilience and promoting the safety and protection of vulnerable communities in an increasingly connected society.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
