News
Asia Foundation, APAC Cybersecurity Fund and Google to train up to 300,000 small businesses in Asia on digital safety including 5,000 Lankans
Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing $15M to the Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cybersecurity Fund in partnership with CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance to bolster cyber capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises.
Working with implementing organizations and universities across the region, The Asia Foundation aims to equip local communities and students via upskilling tools and cyber clinics to protect against online risks. The initiative will span 13 locations, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, said a press release.
Asia and the Pacific has become “ground zero” for cybercrimes, recording the highest number of cyber incidents worldwide in 2023.
Seeking to build a digital ecosystem that is inclusive and safe for all, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund, through The Asia Foundation, will connect small businesses and vulnerable groups to local training opportunities and resources to build and strengthen their digital defense.
“We are proud to support The Asia Foundation in equipping vulnerable organizations, such as small and medium enterprises and nonprofits, across Asia Pacific with essential cybersecurity skills and resources to combat the growing cyber threats as they navigate through the digital economy,” Marija Ralic, Lead for Google.org APAC.
In Sri Lanka, which ranked 81 out of 175 countries in 2020’s National Cyber Security Index, scoring especially low in protection for digital and essential services, the program aims to reach up to 5000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) covering 10000 individuals. Country Representative for The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka, Dinesha De Silva highlights the essential nature of the program. “In the context of Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to recognize the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as both the drivers of innovation and economic growth, and as prime targets for cyber threats.”
Sudheera Jayarathne, Director of the Small Enterprises Development Division, a local implementing partner of the program, also shared his thoughts on the potential impact of the program on MSMEs. “The Small Enterprises Development Division is making constant efforts to develop businesses by applying modern digital technology for businesses and have identified the need to provide knowledge on Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Security to Small and Medium Businesses.”
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
USA’s Ali Khan claims having been ‘denied’ India visa ahead of T20 World Cup
At least 28 dead as crane collapses onto train in Thailand
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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