The Defence Cyber Command (DCC) of the Ministry of Defence successfully conducted a comprehensive Cyber Awareness Program for officials of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and pre-school teachers in the Galle District on 25th August 2026 at the Auditorium of the Galle District Secretariat.

In an era where child protection and the advancement of women’s rights are increasingly intertwined with the digital environment, this important capacity-building initiative was designed to enhance awareness of cyber threats and promote safe digital practices among government officials and pre-school teachers working with women and children.

The program was conducted under the strategic guidance of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and leveraged the expertise and resources of the Ministry of Defence. The primary objective of the workshop was to equip frontline officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to safeguard women and children in the digital age.

To strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups in cyberspace, the program brought together more than 140 participants, including District Child Protection Officers, Divisional Child Protection Officers, District psychosocial officers, Early Childhood Development Assistants, Child Rights Promotion Officers and Assistants, Counselling Officers and Assistants, Women Development Officers, Women Development field Assistants , pre-school teachers and other relevant officials from the Galle District.

The full-day program featured a comprehensive agenda led by cyber security experts, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into emerging cyber threats and digital safety measures. The lecture sessions included:

- Cyber Threat Landscape - Col Darshana Muthugala  

- Digital Deception - LCdr (IT) Samith Thisera  

- Cyber Security Demonstration - LCdr (IT) Samith Thisera, Flt Lt Nishantha Kumara and L Cpl       Thilakaratne KDCS  

- Cyber Crimes - WSI Dinusha Kariyawasam  

- Cyber-Related Laws - Maj Sandun Gunawardhane  

- Risk Mitigation and Management - Col Darshana Muthugala  

- Social Media Best Practices and Device Security - Maj Chathura Pathirana  

The program provided participants with valuable knowledge on identifying cyber threats, protecting personal and institutional information, and fostering a safer digital environment for women and children.

Through initiatives such as this, the Defence Cyber Command continues to support national efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and promote digital safety awareness throughout Sri Lanka.