Date: December 14, 2023

Location: Faculty of Graduate Studies, KDU

The Faculty of Defence & Strategic Studies (FDSS) and the Centre for Strategic Assessment (CSA) assumed an eminent role on December 14, 2023, as they hosted the Signature Seminar addressing the issues of Responding to Disinformation and Building Disinformation Resilience. This consequential event was committed to expounding upon the intricate challenges posed by disinformation within the contemporary global landscape, with a specific focus on devising strategies to bolster resilience against this dynamically evolving threat. The seminar commenced with the arrival of esteemed dignitaries, setting the tone for a day of intellectual discourse and collaborative insights. The Chief Guest, Honourable MUM Ali Sabry PC MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, adorned the occasion with his distinguished presence, imparting a notable gravity to the event.

The conference was structured into three distinct sessions, each delineated by the overarching themes of "Strategic & International Relations," "Political Economic & Legal," and "Social Engineering & Operational Challenges." Nine distinguished speakers, comprising both international and Sri Lankan authorities, actively contributed their insights and ideas throughout the entirety of the conference. The foreign experts engaged in the discussion sharing insights from their respective national experiences while drawing some parallels with Sri Lanka. The experts represented France, India, and Malaysia, contributing valuable perspectives to the discussions.

The commencement of the first session at 9:00 AM entailed a cordial welcome address by Rear Admiral HGU Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU. Subsequent to this, the Chief Guest, Honourable MUM Ali Sabry, presented an address underscoring the paramount significance of tackling disinformation within the realm of Strategic and International Relations. The Foreign Secretary, Aruni Wijewardena delivered an address to the audience, emphasizing the paramount importance of fostering disinformation resilience and she extended her appreciation to KDU for its pivotal role in leading this noteworthy effort. 

Strategic and International Relations

The first session, under the moderation of Dr. Harinda Vidanage (Director CSA), delved into the nuances of Strategic and International Relations. Renowned speakers like Mr. Nitin A Gokhale, (Editor in Chief of Stratnewsglobal.in), Mr. ULM Jauhar, (Additional Secretary/Multilateral Affairs, MFA), and Ms. Norashikin Sahol Hamid from the National Defence University of Malaysia, imparted their insightful perspectives.

The session concluded with a cogent participants' discussion and brainstorming session.

Political Economic and Legal 

The onset of the second session commenced with an introduction by the moderator, setting the stage for compelling presentations by Mr. Nerin Pulle (Additional Solicitor General), Mr. Waruna Dhanapala (Actg. DG Data Protection Authority), and Mr. Dileep Mudadeniya (Senior Vice President Global Alliances and Partnerships, John Keels). The subsequent participants'

discussion served as a platform for diverse viewpoints on the political, economic, and legal dimensions of mitigating disinformation. 

Social Engineering and Operational Challenges

The culminating session, focusing on intricate subjects of social engineering and operational challenges initiated with an introduction by the moderator. The session featured illuminative presentations by distinguished individuals like Dr Anver Hamdani (Coordinator in Charge of Healthcare Donor Activities and Diplomatic Affairs, Ministry of Health), Mr. Charles Thepaut (Head of Unit for Analysis and Strategic

Communication / French Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Mr. Isura Silva (Business Consultant on Digital Transformation). The day's deliberations culminated with a vibrant participants' brainstorming session. 

The Signature Seminar on Responding to Disinformation and Building Disinformation Resilience proved to be a beacon of erudition and collaborative discourse. The event convened experts, scholars, and professionals to collectively address the complexities of disinformation, fostering a holistic comprehension of the challenges and opportunities within the contemporary information landscape. As the discussions concluded at 4:20 PM, participants departed with augmented perspectives and a renewed commitment to fortifying resilience against the pervasive threat of disinformation.