On July 3, 2025, in Colombo, LIRNEasia organized the “Day of Information Disorder” to disseminate research findings from two major studies: a nationally representative survey and an experimental study measuring the effectiveness of misinformation countering measures. The event brought together researchers, journalists, media professionals, tech innovators, and policy experts to address one of today’s most urgent challenges: information disorder.
The day began with an introduction by Helani Galpaya, CEO of LIRNEasia, who set the tone by unpacking what information disorder is and why it matters. LIRNEasia researcher Shenali Bamaramannage followed with a thought-provoking presentation titled “Are we idiots?”, sharing key findings from LIRNEasia’s national research on the human factors influencing susceptibility to misinformation in Sri Lanka.
Helani Galpaya, CEO of LIRNEasia, opening the event by breaking down the concept of information disorder
Shenali Bamaramannage, a researcher at LIRNEasia, sharing key findings from the national study
Isuru Samaratunga, Research Manager at LIRNEasia, then addressed the question: “Are there solutions?” His presentation offered a comparative analysis of different interventions aimed at countering misinformation, laying the foundation for the discussions that followed.
Isuru Samaratunga, a Research Manager at LIRNEasia, presenting a comparative analysis of different interventions to counter misinformation
A lively panel discussion explored how to optimize limited resources toward solutions that truly work. The panel featured Nipunika Ruhunage (CEO, Sarvodaya Fusion), Rahul Namboori (CEO, Fact Crescendo), Kumar Lopez (CEO, Sri Lanka Press Institute), Deepanjalie Abeywardena (Deputy Director, Verité Research), and Samaratunga (Research Manager, LIRNEasia), moderated by Helani Galpaya (CEO, LIRNEasia).
Panel discussion on how to optimize limited resources toward solutions that truly work
The afternoon sessions focused on the pivotal role of journalists and evolving media business models. Panelists included Prof. Nirmal Dewasiri (Professor, Department of History, University of Colombo), Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema (Senior Journalist and Media Consultant), Milinda Rajapaksha (Former Additional Director General, Department of Government Information), Suroshana Iranga (Assistant Press Commissioner, Sri Lanka Press Council), and Shan Wijetunge (Former Communications Director, Parliament of Sri Lanka), with Nalaka Gunawardena (Communication Consultant) serving as moderator. Their discussion highlighted the responsibilities and challenges journalists face as gatekeepers of truth.
Panel discussion on journalists as gatekeepers of truth and media business models
The final panel turned to the future: the use of AI to counter information disorder. Experts such as Dhara Mungra (Co-Founder, SimPPL), Dr. Aldu Cornelissen (Co-Founder, Murmur Intelligence), Darshatha Gamage (Co-Founder and Director, IMPACT VOICES), and Dr. Uthayasanker Thayasivam (Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Moratuwa) discussed the potential and risks of technological solutions, moderated by Merl Chandana (Team Lead, The Data, Algorithms and Policy (DAP), LIRNEasia).
Panel discussion on the use of AI to counter information disorder
The event concluded with networking opportunities, leaving participants energized and inspired to take forward evidence-based strategies to combat misinformation.
Some coverage of the event is available at the following links: Here, Here, and Here
The results presented at this event are available below for reference.
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