The Defence Cyber Command (DCC) of the Ministry of Defence conducted a comprehensive Cyber Awareness Programme for officials attached to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in Kurunegala District on 24 September 2026 at the Main Auditorium of the Kurunegala District Secretariat. The full-day programme was conducted from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs with the participation of 135 officials.

The programme was conducted under the strategic guidance of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative and leveraged the expertise and resources of the Ministry of Defence. Building on the DCC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and promote responsible digital practices, the programme was designed to enhance the capacity of frontline officials who work directly with women, children and families. Particular emphasis was placed on improving awareness of emerging cyber threats, digital risks, online safety, protection of personal and institutional information, and practical measures for responding to cyber related incidents.

The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Assistant Divisional Secretary of the Kurunegala Divisional Secretariat. The event brought together relevant officers from the Kurunegala District Secretariat as well as officials attached to the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs across all Divisional Secretariat divisions in 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 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 served as an important capacity-building initiative for officials engaged in the protection, development and wellbeing of women and children. It enhanced participants’ understanding of cyber threats and provided practical guidance on identifying risks, protecting sensitive information, maintaining secure digital practices and responding appropriately to cyber-related incidents.

With 135 officials participating, the programme further strengthened the link between digital safety and the protection of women and children at the district and divisional levels. It also contributed to wider national efforts to improve cyber resilience and promote a safer and more responsible digital environment.

Through programmes of this nature, the Defence Cyber Command continues to support government institutions by building cyber awareness and strengthening the capacity of personnel who interact directly with vulnerable communities. The Kurunegala programme represents a further step towards enhancing digital safety awareness and strengthening the protection of women and children in an increasingly connected society.