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Empowering child protection in Sri Lanka: The fight against cybercrime and AI exploitation

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2 years ago

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Children of Sri Lanka

In an increasingly digital world, child protection has evolved into one of the most pressing challenges faced by governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. In Sri Lanka, the growing incidence of cybercrime targeting children, coupled with new threats posed by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, has brought the issue of child safety to the forefront.

At the heart of this effort in Sri Lanka is Mr. Prabath Amila Perera, a recognized cybersecurity researcher and digital forensics expert who has been instrumental in addressing child safety challenges in the digital age. His work, along with a growing body of cybersecurity professionals, highlights the urgent need for a robust framework to protect Sri Lankan children from the dangers posed by cybercrime and artificial intelligence-driven exploitation.

The Rising Threat of Cybercrime Targeting Children

Prabath Amila

Cybercrime is no longer confined to traditional hacking or financial fraud; it has expanded to include a wide array of illegal activities, many of which disproportionately affect children. With the widespread use of mobile devices and internet access, children are increasingly exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying, child exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. The disturbing reality is that the internet has become a tool for criminals to exploit vulnerable individuals, and children are often their primary targets.

In Sri Lanka, the rapid adoption of digital technology has created a fertile ground for such crimes. The growing prevalence of internet-enabled devices among children, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, has increased their susceptibility to online predators. This trend is reflected globally, with cyber predators using sophisticated methods to lure children into harmful situations, from online grooming to the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

AI and Automation: A New Frontier of Concern

While cybercrime itself presents significant dangers, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has introduced new layers of complexity to child protection. AI-powered technologies, such as deepfakes, can be used to generate hyper-realistic images or videos that could be weaponized for blackmail, exploitation, or abuse. In the context of child protection, AI can exacerbate issues related to the creation and dissemination of CSAM.

Automation and AI are also enabling criminal actors to operate at a scale never seen before. Automated bots, for instance, can scan social media platforms for vulnerable targets, creating vast databases of personal information that can be used for malicious purposes. Moreover, AI algorithms can be used to manipulate children’s behavior online, making them more susceptible to exploitation or harmful content.

In addition to facilitating child exploitation, AI and automation have also made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to detect and combat such crimes. With the rapid growth of encrypted communications and the dark web, traditional investigative methods often fall short. Thus, while technology has undoubtedly improved our lives, it has also introduced new threats that need urgent attention.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call to Action for Sri Lanka

Recognizing these dangers, Mr. Amila Perera and his peers are advocating for a comprehensive approach to child protection that includes legislative, technological, and educational measures. To combat cybercrime and AI-driven exploitation, Sri Lanka must adopt a multi-faceted strategy that encompasses the following:

Strengthening Laws and Regulations: While Sri Lanka has made progress in child protection laws, there is still a need to introduce stronger legislation that addresses the evolving nature of cybercrime and AI-fueled threats. Laws related to CSAM, child exploitation, and cyberbullying must be updated to reflect modern-day challenges, and enforcement mechanisms must be empowered with adequate resources.

Improving Cybersecurity Infrastructure: In this digital age, it is essential to have strong cybersecurity defenses in place. Public and private organizations, particularly those involved in child protection, need to invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to identify and mitigate online threats. AI can also be used positively to develop tools that detect harmful content, block abusive behavior, and flag suspicious activity in real-time.

Raising Public Awareness: It is critical to educate parents, teachers, and children about the dangers of the internet. Schools must incorporate cyber literacy into their curriculum, and communities must promote safe online practices. Campaigns that educate the public about emerging AI threats, such as deepfakes and the misuse of automation, will be key to creating a well-informed population capable of protecting itself against new digital risks.

Collaborating with Global Partners: Cybercrime is a transnational issue, and no country can fight it alone. Sri Lanka must strengthen its collaboration with international cybersecurity agencies, child protection organizations, and tech companies. By sharing information, technology, and best practices, Sri Lanka can bolster its defenses against cybercriminals who operate across borders.

The Role of AI in Protecting Children

While AI presents new dangers, it can also be part of the solution. Mr. Amila Perera emphasizes that AI, when used ethically, can be a powerful tool in protecting children from harm. AI-based algorithms can be developed to monitor online behavior, detect inappropriate content, and provide early warnings about potential risks. AI can also assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting cybercriminals by analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time.

Tech companies must play a key role in this process by implementing child safety features into their platforms. Automated content filtering, real-time monitoring of interactions, and AI-driven moderation can help make the digital environment safer for children. Additionally, AI tools that detect deepfakes and manipulated content can play a vital role in protecting children from AI-generated exploitation.

A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Future

Child protection in the digital age is not solely the responsibility of government authorities or law enforcement; it is a collective effort that involves educators, parents, tech companies, and cybersecurity experts. In Sri Lanka, Mr. Amila Perera’s leadership and advocacy for child safety in the digital world set an example for how nations can address these challenges effectively.

As Sri Lanka continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly digitizing world, it must prioritize child safety by integrating AI-driven solutions, enforcing stricter cyber laws, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Only through collective action can we ensure that the next generation of children grows up in a digital environment free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Prarthana Kodikara

University of Kelaniya


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Ceylon Chamber welcomes IMF review approval, urges continued reform momentum amid external pressures

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23 hours ago

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2026/05/30

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The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes and commends the Government of Sri Lanka on the successful completion and approval of the 5th and 6th Reviews under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. This milestone enables Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 695 million in financing support, reinforcing confidence in the country’s ongoing economic recovery and reform agenda.

At a time of heightened global uncertainty and external sector pressures arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Chamber believes this approval sends a strong positive signal to markets, investors, and the private sector. Continued engagement with the IMF programme remains critical to preserving macroeconomic stability, restoring investor confidence, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s external resilience.

The Chamber notes that the IMF review underscores the importance of sustaining structural reforms, including improving the investment climate, enhancing competitiveness, and accelerating infrastructure and institutional reforms that support private sector-led growth.

At the onset of the Middle East crisis, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce submitted recommendations to the Government addressing several immediate economic and energy-related risks. These recommendations remain highly relevant in managing emerging pressures on the exchange rate, energy costs, and overall external sector stability.

In line with the Ceylon Chamber’s earlier recommendations, the following priority measures are reiterated:

Strengthen and optimize the fuel QR system as a digital platform to improve efficiency and facilitate better targeted support mechanisms for priority groups such as public transport and school transport operators, while maintaining cost-reflective pricing principles.

Continue to ensure clear and consistent communication on the direction of economic policy to further reinforce confidence among businesses and investors, support orderly exchange rate expectations, reduce market uncertainty, and sustain overall macroeconomic stability.

The Ceylon Chamber also emphasises the importance of accelerating reforms that improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in trade, investment, tourism, logistics, and digitalisation. Advancing these reforms will be essential to sustain and improve macroeconomic stabilisation and resilience. The Ceylon Chamber has also urged its members to act responsibly during this critical period by supporting measures that preserve economic stability and safeguard Sri Lanka’s long-term interests.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce remains committed to actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders in supporting progressive economic reforms, the successful completion of future IMF programme reviews, and Sri Lanka’s transition towards a resilient and competitive economy.

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Abans Finance launches maiden debenture issue listing on CSE

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23 hours ago

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2026/05/30

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(Left – Right): Upul Gunasekara, Deputy CEO – Abans Finance PLC (Abans Finance); Danushka De Silva, Director – Abans Finance; Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO – Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE); K.J.C. Perera, Chairman – Abans Finance; Thulci Aluwihare, Director – Abans Finance; Nirosh Madawala, CEO of Abans Finance; Ms. Kaushini Laksumanage, Deputy CEO – NDB Investment Bank Ltd; Ms. Nilupa Perera, Chief Regulatory Officer – CSE; Prashad Samantha, Chief Financial Officer – Abans Finance.

Abans Finance PLC (Abans Finance) recently marked the official listing of its maiden 13,384,000 debentures on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with a bell ringing and market opening ceremony held at the CSE trading floor.

The offer for subscription for the initial issue of ten million (10,000,000) listed, rated, senior, unsecured, redeemable five-year (2026/2031) debentures of LKR 100/- each, was rapidly oversubscribed, having received subscriptions for 13,384,000 debentures for a value of LKR, 1,338,400,000/-, reflecting strong investor confidence in Abans Finance’s strengths and the debt market.

Abans Finance is a licensed non-banking financial institution and subsidiary of the Abans Group and currently operates with nine branches, nine customer centres and four kiosks in addition to the head office, leveraging on the island wide presence of Abans Group to reach customers across the island. Abans Finance services include finance leasing, hire purchase, mortgage loans, personal loans, real estate development and acceptance of time and savings deposits. Founded in 2006, the Abans Finance was also listed on the CSE in 2011 and enjoys a Fitch Credit Rating of A – (lka) Stable Outlook.

Through its first debenture, which carries an “A-” (lka) rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka Limited and was managed by NDB Investment Bank Ltd, Abans Finance aims to expand its asset base, strengthen loan portfolios, grow its presence by leveraging the Abans Group financial ecosystem to drive digital transformation and deliver integrated solutions.

K.J.C. Perera, Chairman of Abans Finance PLC and keynote speaker at the ceremony, remarked upon the company’s debenture issue, commenting “This milestone underscores strong investor confidence in Abans Finance PLC and strengthens our capital base as we advance our strategy for sustainable growth and innovation.”

Delivering his welcome address at the event Rajeeva Bandaranaike, CEO of CSE, remarked upon the debenture listing, stating: “Today’s listing of the debt issue by Abans Finance PLC reflects a broader engagement by companies to use the capital market for their funding requirements. More recently we have seen a fair growth in the primary issuances of debt. In 2024 approximately LKR 95 Bn was from debt. In 2025, LKR 113 Bn was raised through debt – and in 2026 approximately LKR 60 bn was raised through debt.”

2025 saw 22 debt listings including 3 new companies listing on the exchange by way of debt initial public offerings (IPOs) including several firsts in the country from GSS+ debt instruments (Green, Social, Sustainability linked), Shariah compliant debt instruments and High Yield Bonds, with access to investors and brokers facilitated by a fully digitized CSE platform, which can be accessed through CSE’s website and mobile app.

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Sun Siyam Pasikudah brings community together for coastal clean-up

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23 hours ago

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2026/05/30

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Sun Siyam Pasikudah, Sri Lanka’s five-star boutique retreat and part of the Privé Collection within Sun Siyam, reinforced its commitment to community and conservation with a beach cleanup along Pasikudah Bay on 08th May 2026. Held under the group-wide Sun Siyam Cares umbrella, guided by “Caring for our People, Nature and Culture”, the morning brought together school students, hotel staff, and in-house guests for hands-on environmental action.

Unlike typical cleanup drives, this initiative placed education at its heart. Students from a local school joined guided sessions on coastal ecosystems, the impact of marine litter on biodiversity, and the role every individual plays in protecting Sri Lanka’s coastline, giving young people from the surrounding community a firsthand understanding of why this bay matters, ecologically, culturally, and economically.

Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Pasikudah, said: “What makes this cleanup different is who we did it with. When a child understands why this bay is worth caring for, its ecology, its beauty, what it means to the families who live here, that knowledge stays with them. That is the most sustainable investment we can make.”

Pasikudah Bay’s shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters and the Eastern Province’s rich marine and cultural heritage, from centuries-old mosques and kovils to the vibrancy of Kattankudy, make it a coastline worth protecting. Participants spread across the shoreline collecting and sorting waste in line with the resort’s zero-waste management principles, while guests noted the activity deepened their connection to the destination beyond a typical resort experience.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah holds the Travelife Gold Certification across 147 criteria spanning energy, water, wildlife, waste, and community welfare. The resort grows over 38 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on its organic farm, operates solar-powered installations, has eliminated single-use plastics entirely, and sources locally wherever possible. The Sun Siyam Cares Fund supports CarePhant, backing the care of Kalo, a young elephant at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, ahead of his return to the wild in 2029.

As part of Sun Siyam Resorts, named Most Influential Sustainable Hotel Group of the Year at the 2025 GO TRAVEL Awards, initiatives like this reflect a sustained, year-round commitment to ensuring tourism on the East Coast is a force for renewal, not depletion. For reservations, visit www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-pasikudah or call 065 205 5555.

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