Digital Literacy and Us-By Nisal Rukshan
Digitalization has become integral to contemporary society. Individuals are increasingly influenced by the pervasive nature of digital networks. In 2025, statistics from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicate that 74 percent of the world’s population is online, underscoring the extent of global connectivity.
The ITU further reports, “High-income countries are nearing universal Internet use, with 94 percent of the population online. Only 23 percent of people in low-income countries use the Internet. In the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Europe, and the Americas, 88-93% of people use the Internet. In Asia-Pacific and the Arab States, Internet use is at 77% and 70%, respectively. This matches the global average. For Africa, the average is just 36 percent.”
These disparities illustrate the uneven distribution of digital literacy and its significant economic implications. Sri Lanka is classified as a lower-middle-income country, with the World Bank defining this category as having a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita between $1,136 and $4,495 in 2026.
Data from the Department of Census and Statistics, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, indicate that in the first half of 2025, 38.4% of individuals aged 5-69 in Sri Lanka were computer literate, while 70.8% were digitally literate. Furthermore, 21.4% of households owned a desktop or laptop computer, with urban areas demonstrating higher levels of both computer and digital literacy.
UNESCO defines digital literacy as the confident and critical use of digital technologies for information, communication, and problem-solving across all aspects of life. This competency relies on foundational ICT skills, including using computers to retrieve, assess, store, produce, present, and exchange information, as well as to communicate and participate in collaborative online networks.
Despite Sri Lanka’s digital literacy rate of 70.8%, a significant gap remains in the depth of digital competency, resulting in increased vulnerability to various risks. Incidents such as sextortion, digital bullying, financial scams, drug smuggling and trafficking, pornography, nudity, misinformation, threats, blackmail, and hacking are reportedly on the rise.
Low digital literacy is a contributing factor in many of these incidents, as a substantial portion of the population possesses only basic device operation skills. Comprehensive digital competency requires advanced skills, including security awareness, risk recognition, incident management, understanding vulnerabilities, employing safe practices, and utilizing available helplines for immediate assistance.
Cyber attacks and fraud are global issues, causing economic, social, cultural, and mental well-being problems for communities. Sri Lanka faces similar challenges, including system hacking and online financial scams that trap users, such as identity theft and financial fraud. Data privacy is also a concern, as companies gather large amounts of personal data, raising issues about surveillance and a lack of control. New threats, like deepfakes and synthetic identities generated by AI, further complicate digital security. Sri Lanka is dangerously lacking in early detection capabilities. Immediate action is essential. Emergency Cyber stresses the importance of rapid deployment: tools such as behavioral analytics, EDR, real-time network traffic analysis, honeypots, and AI-driven SIEM systems are not optional—they are now critical for survival. Most general operators are unprepared to use these technologies—placing everyone at grave risk. ICT professionals must act now to fortify defenses and provide clear protocols. Proactive education and strong contingency training are non-negotiable; the cost of inaction will be catastrophic. Responsibility for digital safety is urgent and universal.
There are many technical methods to make cyberattacks more secure and improve digital security, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Regular Software Updates (Patching), Strong, Unique Passwords, Data Backups, secure networks, firewalls, anti-virus and malware software, etc. Even the most advanced defenses are useless if user vigilance is lacking. In urgent, high-pressure situations, users must immediately verify email sources, avoid suspicious links, never save login data in browsers, maintain current backups, and, without delay, inform authorities if an incident occurs. Swift reaction is the only way to limit damage and prevent deeper crises.
Sri Lanka must prioritize modernizing its digital infrastructure to enhance security. There is often reluctance to acknowledge the severity of threats to data, finances, and other critical assets. Establishing robust preventive measures, training personnel for emergency response, and implementing effective monitoring systems to assess capabilities and behaviors are essential first steps. These actions will provide a foundation for sustained digital learning and development, fostering accountability. If domestic resources or technologies are insufficient, it is advisable to seek assistance from trusted international partners to build a more secure and resilient digital environment for the nation.
Nisal Rukshan, MHRM, PGDip HSC , B.A. (Defence), BSc (Hons.) Counselling Psychology,
DCPsy, DOSH,
Rukshan4slsr@gmail.com
