IGF Sri Lanka 2024 – Day 02 | Session 03
Technology, Digital Inclusion, and Internet Governance
Day 02, Session 03 of IGF Sri Lanka 2024 focused on the intersection of technology, digital inclusion, and Internet governance, examining how policy, innovation, and inclusive design can contribute to a more accessible, trusted, and multilingual Internet.
The session addressed a range of key thematic areas, including assistive technologies and universal design principles, digital inclusion and accessibility, digital rights, multilingual Internet and Internet localization, universal acceptance, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and data governance and trust on the Internet. Discussions emphasized the importance of inclusive-by-design approaches and policy coherence to ensure that technological advancement benefits all segments of society.
Panelists highlighted the need to strengthen accessibility frameworks, promote local language content, and integrate ethical and rights-based approaches into emerging technologies such as AI and data-driven systems. The session underscored the role of multistakeholder collaboration in addressing digital divides and ensuring that Internet governance frameworks remain inclusive, transparent, and future-ready.
The session featured contributions from government, academia, the private sector, the technical community, and civil society, reflecting the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
Panelists and moderators included:
- Prof. Anuradha Jayakody – Head, Department of Computer Systems Engineering, SLIIT
- Mr. Thareendra Kalpage – Co-founder, Digital Zyndicate
- Ms. Manique Gunarathne – Manager, Specialized Training Centre, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon
- Mr. Isuru Samaratunga – Senior Researcher, LIRNEasia
- Mr. Michael Lu – UX Architect, Sysco LABS Sri Lanka
- Mr. Prasanna Kuruppu – Independent Researcher and Consultant, Disability Affairs
- Dr. Thusitha Abeysekara – Head, Legal Studies Unit, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Mr. Ishan Jalill – Founder and President, Ability for Action
- Mr. Chamila Liyanage – Research Assistant, Language Technology Research Laboratory, University of Colombo School of Computing
- Prof. Sandagomi Coperahewa – Head, Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo
- Mr. Mahindasiri H.R. – Chief Executive Officer, Procons Infotech
- Mr. Harsha Wijayawardhana – Chief Operating Officer, Theekshana R&D
- Mr. Indika Hiran Wijesinghe – Deputy Director (IT), Sri Lanka Tea Board
- Dr. Kaneeka Vidanage (PhD) – Head, Department of Computer Science, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
- Ms. Sachini Herath – Head of AI Solutions, Dialog Axiata
- Dr. Kasun Gunawardana – Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo School of Computing
- Mr. Chamil Jeewantha – Software Engineering Manager, MAD Mobile LK
The session concluded with a shared recognition of the need to advance inclusive digital policies, strengthen accessibility and localization efforts, and build trust in emerging technologies, supported by sustained multistakeholder engagement.
The organizers acknowledged the support of partners and sponsors, including the Internet Society Foundation and Internet Society (Strategic Partner), APNIC Foundation (Silver Sponsor), ICANN and OSSEC Inc. (Bronze Sponsors), BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT (Award Sponsor), TV Derana (Electronic Media Partner), Flare Global (Social Media Partner), Dialog Enterprise (Enterprise Connectivity Partner), and the Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN) (Volunteer Partner), whose contributions were instrumental to the success of IGF Sri Lanka 2024.
