Business
Tackling the Misinformation Quandary: The crucial role of social media in elections
By Indika De Zoysa
Social media platforms have become the epicentre of our collective digital discourse in an age defined by the relentless pace of technological advancement. These platforms have revolutionised how we communicate and emerged as influential players in the realm of politics, particularly during elections. I have observed with keen interest the profound impact of social media on our democratic processes, and it’s time to address a critical issue at hand: the role of social media in disseminating misinformation and how we can counter this growing challenge.
The Information Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword
The rise of social media has been nothing short of revolutionary. It has democratized information, giving voice to the voiceless and empowering citizens to engage with political discourse as never before. In the Sri Lankan context, it has allowed diverse voices to be heard, promoted transparency, and enhanced civic participation. However, like any powerful tool, social media comes with its complexities and risks.
Misinformation, the spread of false or misleading information, has emerged as a formidable challenge in the digital age. During elections, this menace is amplified, potentially influencing voter behaviour and public opinion and even undermining the very fabric of our democracy. Falsehoods, rumours, and unverified claims can spread like wildfire, often with malicious intent.
Social media platforms have a pivotal role to play in addressing the misinformation crisis. They are not just facilitators of communication but curators of the information landscape. As such, they are responsible for ensuring that the content disseminated on their platforms is accurate, fair, and reliable.
The Role of Community Guidelines
Social media platforms have developed Community Guidelines to tackle misinformation, a set of rules and standards that govern user behaviour. These guidelines serve as a cornerstone in maintaining the integrity of information dissemination. Community Guidelines are more than just rules; they are a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful online environment. They provide the framework for responsible content creation, striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible conduct.
A global platform like TikTok has recognized its responsibility to maintain the integrity of information dissemination, particularly during elections. Their Community Guidelines, a set of rules that govern user behaviour, play a pivotal role in ensuring that those seeking to spread falsehoods do not hijack the platform. These guidelines are more than just a set of rules – they are a commitment to fostering a safe, responsible, and respectful online community. They provide a framework that strikes a delicate balance between free expression and responsible conduct.
Ensuring Fair Elections
During elections, the role of these guidelines becomes paramount. They serve as a safeguard against the spread of false information, divisive content, and external interference. Platforms that enforce these guidelines diligently can help ensure that the electoral process remains fair, transparent, and free from manipulation.
However, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the platforms. Users, too, play a critical role. Educating users about the significance of responsible content creation and the consequences of spreading misinformation is essential. Awareness campaigns and digital literacy initiatives are vital components of the misinformation mitigation strategy.
A Collective Endeavor
In conclusion, countering misinformation on social media during elections is a collective endeavour. It requires the vigilance of platforms, the active participation of users, the guidance of policymakers, and the scrutiny of civil society. As citizens, we must approach social media with discernment, verifying information before accepting it as fact.
Misinformation poses a clear and present danger to the democratic process. To safeguard our democracy, we must foster an environment in which social media platforms adhere to robust Community Guidelines; users are educated about responsible content creation, and the principles of truth and transparency guide our digital discourse.
As we look ahead to future elections, both in Sri Lanka and across the globe, let us remember that the power of social media can be harnessed for the betterment of our society and our democracy. It is up to us to ensure that this powerful tool remains a force for good, upholding the principles upon which our democracy is built.
[The writer is the Chairman of The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS)]
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Continuing its mission to drive inclusive economic recovery and empower Sri Lanka’s grassroots business sector, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has actively accelerated the disbursement of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Enhancing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Finance Project line of credit.
As Sri Lanka’s premier private sector lender, Commercial Bank drives regional development by bridging financial gaps outside the Western Province. Jaffna and the broader Northern Province remain pivotal focus areas due to their immense potential for industrial regeneration, vibrant agricultural output, and entrepreneurial resilience in the post-crisis economic landscape.
Directing targeted, affordable financing enables local enterprises to overcome historical financing barriers, expand production capacity, and stimulate employment across regional supply chains.
Quality at the Source: ADB Country Director Shannon Cowlin inspects a bottle of premium sesame oil at the New V.S.P. Gingelly Oil factory floor in Jaffna. Working capital facilities extended through Commercial Bank under the ADB line of credit enable manufacturers like Harish Industries to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka while securing long-term economic resilience.
The dedicated credit scheme offers affordable interest rates to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rebound from recent macroeconomic shocks, maintain employment stability, and build long-term sustainability. Designed to target underserved segments, the funding line prioritizes viable enterprises located outside the Colombo district, women-owned and women-led businesses, and ventures incorporating strong climate finance components. Eligible sectors span manufacturing, agriculture, animal husbandry, technology, tourism, and direct export industries.
A standout beneficiary showcasing the transformative impact of this regional focus is Harish Industries, a flourishing manufacturing firm located within the purview of Commercial Bank’s Manipay branch in Jaffna. Owned and operated by proprietor Ponnuchamy Prabakaran, Harish Industries manufactures premium sesame oil under the popular brand name “New VSP Gingelly Oil”.
The working capital facility extended by the line of credit to Harish Industries helped to cater to short-term liquidity needs, ease out cash flow pressure, and operate the business in a sustainable manner.
Additionally, this financial backing helped create more employment opportunities, strengthen its supply chain, and expand business operations to meet growing wholesale and retail demand across Sri Lanka.
by Sanath Nanayakkare
True corporate leadership extends far beyond financial metrics and market dominance. For the Commercial Bank of Ceylon – recognised as Sri Lanka’s top-ranked bank in the 2026 edition of The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks and the country’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank—true progress means investing directly in the nation’s ecological health.
On 19 September, the Bank demonstrated how a massive institutional infrastructure can be mobilised for the greater good.
Marking International Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 under its “Forward Together for a Cleaner Future” platform, the Bank brought together employees, corporate management, customers, and volunteers for a coordinated national conservation initiative spanning 20 locations.
What sets this effort apart is its deliberate breadth. The campaign moved far beyond a conventional beach cleanup by integrating 16 coastal sites – including prominent Colombo locations like Mount Lavinia, Wellawatte, and Galle Face, alongside regional spots from Point Pedro to Dondra – with four vital inland waterways, such as the Mahaweli River at Polgolla Dam and Parakrama Samudraya. This structural reach ensured that even inland communities could actively participate in a unified national environmental mission.
This massive undertaking was anchored by robust partnerships, working alongside the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) as the technical partner and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Sri Lanka. By translating its formal 2025 adoption of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and its role as a UNGC Patron into boots-on-the-ground volunteerism, the Bank bridged high-level environmental policy with grassroots action.
Ultimately, Commercial Bank’s nationwide mobilisation proves that when a premier financial institution harnesses its expansive network, corporate responsibility stops being a theoretical framework and becomes a tangible, community-driven force for a cleaner future.
The grand halls of the Taj Samudra in Colombo buzzed with a distinct energy on the morning of September 25, 2026, as leaders gathered for the National Celebration of World Tourism Day.
Yet, beneath the formal discussions on digital agendas and artificial intelligence, a deeper, more vibrant narrative was quietly unfolding. This was not merely a story of algorithms and automated efficiency; it was a human story – a tale of Sri Lanka’s youth stepping forward to redesign the future of hospitality.
For generations, Sri Lanka’s allure has been rooted in its timeless landscapes, golden shores, and the legendary warmth of its people. But as global travel evolves, a new generation of tech-savvy local innovators is finding ways to weave cutting-edge technology into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture. This shift took center stage during the Tourism Start-Up Competition 2026, held under the theme “AI-Driven Innovation for the Future of Tourism”.
Out of 52 competitive applications spanning tertiary and commercial levels, young minds proved that technology and tradition can go hand in hand.
The twenty-five shortlisted teams stood before expert panels to defend visions that bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern data intelligence.
Behind every submitted AI solution was a young entrepreneur eager to protect local destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and elevate service delivery.
When the twelve winners were finally honoured, the celebration transformed into something much greater than an awards ceremony.
It served as a powerful reminder that the true engine of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation is its youth. Armed with code, creativity, and a profound love for their country, these young visionaries are ensuring that when travelers explore Sri Lanka, they do not just witness the future – they feel the heartbeat of a new, digitally empowered era of hospitality.
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