📈 National Push for Digital Responsibility & Cyber Careers

Sri Lanka is intensifying its focus on digital resilience through the 5th Annual Youth Summit on Cyber Security. Organized by CICRA and Daily FT with Education Ministry endorsement, the initiative targets the integration of cybersecurity into the national school culture to bridge the global talent gap. • Overall Scope & Impact • Program covered 24 leading government and international schools. • Focus: Transforming cybersecurity from a technical discipline into a fundamental life skill for students. • Outcome: Top 10 performers recognized in a national quiz; completion certificates awarded to participants. • Sector & Industry Highlights • ICT & Digital Education: The Ministry is developing a policy framework for digital transformation, expected for Cabinet approval by March 2026. • Cybersecurity Careers: Industry leaders highlighted a global talent crisis with millions of unfilled roles, positioning cybersecurity as a high-growth economic opportunity for Sri Lankan youth. • AI & Ethical Tech: Experts emphasized balancing AI innovation with ethical responsibility, data protection, and "digital hygiene" to mitigate phishing and social media risks. • Key Focus Areas for Students • Password protection and phishing prevention. • Online privacy and gaming vulnerabilities. • Responsible social media use and digital boundaries. • Institutional Framework • Teachers are being empowered as "digital safety ambassadors." • Sri Lanka CERT and the Ministry of Digital Economy are driving the National Cyber Security Strategy (2025-2029) to secure critical infrastructure and public trust.