The Media Law Forum successfully convened the Digital Empowerment Lab, a one-day workshop held on 6 February 2026 at Sofia Colombo City Hotel, aimed at strengthening digital rights awareness, online safety, and responsible digital participation among marginalized communities in Sri Lanka.
The workshop explored key dimensions of everyday digital engagement, including fundamental digital rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, data protection, and digital inclusion. Sessions also addressed the growing challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation, equipping participants with basic verification techniques and practical guidance on responsible content sharing in online spaces. Further discussions focused on digital safety concerns—including online harassment, cyberbullying, and data security risks—along with actionable strategies for secure communication and personal protection.
Participants were introduced to practical tools and resources, including the Digital Rights Booklet, digital repositories, and community-based networks, with an emphasis on applying digital rights knowledge in local contexts and fostering continued learning and engagement.
The programme was facilitated by a multidisciplinary panel of resource persons: Ms. Niroshika Liyana Muhandiram, Senior Lecturer in Law at the Open University of Sri Lanka; Mr. Nalaka Gunawardene, Science Journalist and Communication Consultant; Mr. Haritha Dahanayake, Digital Security Expert; and Dr. Viranjana Herath, Chairperson of the Media Law Forum. The facilitators brought applied perspectives drawn from law, journalism, digital security, and human rights practice.
Designed as an interactive learning experience, the workshop encouraged participants to share lived experiences and reflect on digital challenges within their communities. Attendees represented marginalized and underrepresented groups—including women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, youth, and Indigenous community representatives—ensuring an inclusive learning environment responsive to diverse digital realities.
The workshop was conducted with the support of Accountability Lab under the Digital Democracy Initiative, and forms part of the Media Law Forum’s broader efforts to promote inclusive digital participation, strengthen community-level digital resilience, and advance rights-based approaches to digital governance in Sri Lanka.
