Over 800 students rally at Daily FT-CICRA Youth Summit 2024

Presenting full scholarship award

Presenting raffle draw awards 

Chief Guest Ministry of Education ICT Division, Science and Technology Education Director Vasana Edirisuriya

CICRA Holdings Group Director/CEO Boshan Dayaratne at 4th Youth Summit on Cyber Security Project session 

Sri Lanka CERT Chief Information Security Officer Nirosh Ananda

CICRA Campus Bachelor of Cyber Security second year student Pasindu Dilshan 

CICRA Campus Bachelor of Cyber Security second year student Maneesha Dewmina  

• Key event kicks off cyber security movement empowering new generation of digital warriors

By Tania de Silva

The fourth Youth Summit on Cyber Security 2024 took place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo recently, where over 800 students and educators came together to tackle pressing issues in the field of digital safety.

Organised by the Daily FT and CICRA Holdings and endorsed by the Education Ministry, this event celebrated a decade of Cyber Security Summits but also aimed to equip Sri Lanka’s youth with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The Chief Guest was Ministry of Education ICT Division, Science and Technology Education Director Vasana Edirisuriya.

Delivery an inspiring speech, CICRA Holdings CEO Boshan Dayaratne underscored the importance of cybersecurity education in an era where technology is deeply affected in our daily lives. 

“As we mark ten years of commitment to cybersecurity, our focus remains on the youth, who are the future guardians of a safe digital landscape,” Dayaratne emphasised

The summit, supported by Huawei, Google Cloud, Sysco LABS and Belkasoft among others, featured four engaging sessions led by industry experts, focusing on critical topics such as safe internet practices, combating cyberbullying, and identifying cybercrimes that often target teenagers. 

Notable speakers included Boshan Dayaratne, Sri Lanka CERT Chief Information Security Officer Nirosh Ananda, CICRA Campus second year students (studying Bachelor of Cyber Security) Pasindu Dilshan and Maneesha Dewmina with each sharing valuable insights and personal experiences with the attendees.

Dayaratne opened the educational segment by providing a foundational overview of cybersecurity and its increasing significance for young people. He highlighted the importance of understanding digital footprints and the risks associated with sharing personal information online. “Understanding cybersecurity is not just about protecting oneself; it’s about cultivating a culture of safety that can extend throughout our communities,” he remarked.

In the second session, Pasindu Dilshan and Maneesha Dewmina provided practical strategies for safe internet usage. They discussed the importance of strong passwords, secure browsing practices, and exercising caution on social media platforms. The session encouraged active participation, with students asking questions about specific scenarios and sharing their own experiences regarding online safety.

Nirosh Ananda took the stage for the third session, addressing the sensitive yet crucial topic of cyberbullying. He defined cyberbullying, outlined its various forms, and explained its impact on mental health. Ananda provided actionable steps that students could take to help themselves and others affected by cyberbullying. “We must foster an environment where students feel empowered to speak up and support one another,” he urged, highlighting the collective responsibility to combat online harassment.

The final session focused on common cyber-crimes targeting teenagers, such as phishing, identity theft, and online scams. This session aimed to equip students with the knowledge needed to recognise threats and take preventive measures. Ananda also discussed the legal implications of these crimes and how to report them, stressing the importance of awareness and proactive action.

A lively open discussion allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers, fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and learning. This interactive format enabled students to ask questions and share real-life scenarios, deepening their understanding of cybersecurity. The event wrapped up with a fun raffle draw, celebrating the enthusiasm and participation of students throughout the day by gifting five scholarships and 10 DSI pairs of shoes. This light-hearted conclusion provided a delightful way to end a day filled with serious discussions, reminding everyone of the importance of community engagement and support.

The Youth Summit offered valuable insights into the current landscape of cybersecurity awareness among Sri Lanka’s youth. Here are some key takeaways:

• The summit highlighted the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy among students. As young people increasingly engage with technology, it is vital that they are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves online. The event showcased that awareness is just the first step; practical skills are essential for navigating the complexities of the digital world.
• By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, students can become advocates for safe online practices within their schools and communities. The notion of students returning as cybersecurity ambassadors is particularly impactful, as it not only reinforces the knowledge gained but also encourages peer-to-peer education, which can often be more effective than traditional instructional methods.
• The active involvement of schools is crucial for the success of such initiatives. Partnerships between organisations like CICRA Holdings and educational institutions ensure that cybersecurity education becomes a vital component of the curriculum. This collaboration is essential for developing comprehensive programs that address students’ needs and help create a safer online environment.
• The summit stressed the importance of applying learned skills in real-life situations. Interactive sessions encouraged students to share their experiences and engage in problem-solving, facilitating a deeper understanding of cybersecurity. Participants left with tangible skills that they could implement immediately in their daily online interactions.
• While the focus was on youth, the summit also highlighted the necessity of involving parents and guardians in discussions about online safety. Educating adults about the digital challenges their children face can create a supportive environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns.
• The summit’s long-term vision aims to inspire students to take an active role in promoting cybersecurity awareness within their communities. By returning to their schools equipped with knowledge and resources, students can contribute to a safer digital landscape across Sri Lanka. 

The fourth Youth Summit on Cyber Security 2024 was a remarkable success, not only in raising awareness but also in empowering Sri Lanka’s youth to take control of their online safety. The long-term impact of the Youth Summit will be felt as these young ambassadors spread awareness and promote safe online practices, contributing to a more secure digital landscape across Sri Lanka.