The initial discussion regarding the “Initiative for Child Online Safety and Digital Wellbeing” was held this afternoon (November 02) at Temple Trees. The preliminary meeting convened key identified ministries to review their respective roles and scope of work on this subject, aiming to lay the groundwork for a cohesive inter-ministerial national approach and framework.
This initiative serves as a crucial step toward creating a safe digital environment for children by protecting them from online exploitation, cyberbullying, and various digital threats. Furthermore, the framework developed through these discussions will be presented at an upcoming Ministerial Roundtable Discussion chaired by Hon. Prime Minister on December 16, 2026, paving the way for the Regional Summit on Child Online Safety and Wellbeing scheduled for January 2027.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, while the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, delivered the introductory briefing.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri stated.
With the rapid growth of digital technology, children are increasingly exposed to various online challenges. Therefore, moving beyond isolated interventions, it is essential to implement an active national program bringing together state institutions, experts, and international organizations. Plans have been made to structure future action around three main pillars. Empowerment, Safety and Accountability by Design, and Protection, Response, and Governance.
Speaking at the discussion, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne highlighted.
The government is taking measures to provide internet connectivity to all secondary schools before the end of this year, and to primary schools in the coming year. While introducing children to technology, ensuring a secure digital environment for them is imperative. Sri Lanka also aims to take policy leadership both regionally and internationally by bringing together South Asian nations on this matter.
During the session, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF made technical presentations, while Community Health Specialist Dr. Asiri Hewamalage presented key insights grounded in global data and evidence. Furthermore, Mr. Ananda Galappatti briefed the audience on a comprehensive digital framework designed to cover the entire state mechanism.
Representatives from seven key ministries—the Ministry of Digital Economy, Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports—presented the current status, challenges, and proposed measures regarding child safety.
Additionally, perspectives and legal dimensions from the Attorney General’s Department were discussed, and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, A.B.M. Ashraf, outlined the way forward and the tentative timeline.
The event was attended by the Secretaries of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, alongside other public officials and representatives from local and international non-governmental organizations.
Prime Minister’s Media Division