LIRNEasia CEO Helani Galpaya participated as a speaker at the Small Island Developing States Supreme Audit Institutions Symposium (SIDS SAIs), held in Ukulhas, Maldives, from 3–5 August 2026. The symposium was organised by the Auditor General’s Office of the Maldives and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and brought together over 50 participants from 26 countries. Speakers over the three-day event included Dr. Mahadeva Muizzu (President of the Maldives), Mr. Hussein Niyazy (Auditor General of the Republic of the Maldives), and several other government ministers. 
LIRNEasia CEO Helani Galpaya participated as a speaker at the Small Island Developing States Supreme Audit Institutions Symposium (SIDS SAIs), held in Ukulhas, Maldives, from 3–5 August 2026. The symposium was organised by the Auditor General’s Office of the Maldives and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and brought together over 50 participants from 26 countries. Speakers over the three-day event included Dr. Mahadeva Muizzu (President of the Maldives), Mr. Hussein Niyazy (Auditor General of the Republic of the Maldives), and several other government ministers. 
LIRNEasia is inviting proposals from qualified research organisations to develop a study on Sri Lanka’s Educational Technology (EdTech) landscape. The study aims to examine the current state of EdTech adoption, innovations, and the enabling and constraining factors across Sri Lanka’s education system, while assessing how educational decision-makers perceive and use EdTech and data systems. Further details are available in the full RFP. 
The ICRIER-PROSUS Center for Internet and Digital Economy (IPCIDE) had its annual conference in New Delhi on the 1st of June 2026 in New Delhi, India. LIRNEasia CEO Helani Galpaya participated in the opening panel and discussed the report. Her input focused on the implications of the report and its findings beyond India. 
LIRNEasia is looking for a talented individual to join the team as a Communications Assistant. The full job description is available below. The deadline for applying is March 25, 2026. 
Archives and records management is a critical foundation of any society, but especially in information societies that are emerging now. Unfortunately, this subject tends to be neglected. Sri Lanka’s first National Policy on Archives and Records Management received Cabinet concurrence on 7 April 2025, following a multi-year drafting process led by a committee appointed by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The committee was chaired by Nigel Nugawela (Archivist) and included several experts, such as LIRNEasia Chair Prof. Rohan Samarajiva. 
LIRNEasia is looking for a talented individual to join the team as a Senior Researcher to drive impactful research. The full job description is available below. The deadline for applications is February 20, 2026. 
LIRNEasia CEO Helani Galpaya attended UNDP’s New Ways of Governing Conference in Oslo on 28–29 October 2025, contributing to discussions on AI and data governance. Her session drew on LIRNEasia’s research on data-governance policies across Asia and the organisation’s ongoing work on responsible AI. 
LIRNEasia is seeking experienced qualitative researchers to collaborate on a new study examining information exposure, belief, and sharing behaviors among Sri Lankan diaspora communities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This research builds on LIRNEasia’s ongoing work on information disorder, including nationally representative surveys and experimental studies in Sri Lanka. The diaspora study extends this evidence base to explore how transnational ties, trust, and identity influence how Sri Lankans abroad encounter and respond to misinformation. We are looking for researchers or moderators who can: Lead participant recruitment across diverse Sri Lankan diaspora communities (Sinhala, Sri Lankan Tamil, Indian-Origin Tamil, and Moor). Conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) in participants’ preferred language (Sinhala, Tamil, or English). 
LIRNEasia is inviting proposals from qualified firms and organizations to develop an interactive voter education game and educational tool aimed at enhancing civic participation among youth, first-time voters, and seasoned voters. These are expected to provide an engaging, interactive platform to learn about electoral processes and build resilience against election-related misinformation. Further details are available in the full RFP. The full RFP can be accessed here. Proposals must be submitted to LIRNEasia by 12:00 PM IST on 3rd November 2025. 
LIRNEasia’s Senior Research Manager, Gayani Hurulle, was invited to conduct a session on Leveraging Digitalization for Inclusive Growth at a regional workshop on Best Practices for Accelerated Pro-Poor and Inclusive Growth Initiatives, held from 24 to 26 June 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was jointly organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the BIMSTEC Secretariat, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The workshop brought together government officials and experts from BIMSTEC Member States: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, along with representatives from ASEAN countries, think tanks, and development organizations. The goal was to share knowledge and experiences on strategies that have successfully addressed poverty and supported inclusive economic growth. In her session, Gayani shared insights from LIRNEasia’s nationally representative surveys conducted in 2017/2018 (After Access) and 2021, to highlight gaps in access and usage, and insights from two case studies on social protection and labour. 
In 2024, we proudly celebrated 20 years of impactful work— advancing research, catalyzing policy change, and improving lives across Asia and the Pacific through innovative solutions and technology. Our journey continues as we embrace new challenges and opportunities to create even greater impact. Wishing you all the best for 2025! 
LIRNEasia is pleased to announce the opening of applications for our online training programme on Data Governance in South and Southeast Asia. Theme: Influencing data governance policy in South and Southeast Asia Dates: 10th and 11th December 2024. 7.30 – 10.30 hours UTC/GMT time. 
LIRNEasia is inviting Proposals from qualified firms and organizations to create two counter measures – the creation of a video and creation of an online game. Details are provided in the full RFP. Proposals must be received by LIRNEasia by 1600 IST on 26th July 2024. Link to the RFP. 
The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) represents a landmark regulation aimed at creating a safer and more transparent online environment. Central to the DSA are mandates for large online platforms and search engines, referred to as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs), to conduct Systematic Risk Assessments (SRAs) and engage in meaningful consultations with civil society. At present, VLOPs and VLOSEs in the European Union are conducting their second round of mandatory risk assessments under the DSA. These assessments seek to identify and mitigate systemic risks related to human rights on large platforms. In the meantime, in late June, the Global Network Initiative (GNI) and the Digital Trust & Safety Partnership (DTSP) hosted the European Rights & Risks: Stakeholder Engagement Forum (“the Forum”) in Brussels with the intention of sharing insights on assessing systemic risks to fundamental rights as part of implementing the DSA. 
LIRNEasia is inviting proposals for gender-responsive, policy-relevant applied research projects that contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future of work. This call is supported with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) The complete Call for Proposals can be found here. The deadline for proposal submissions is 1800hrs Indian Standard Time, 19th July 2024. An information session will be organised on the 24th of June week to assist potential applicants in understanding the CFP and the project as a whole. Register here to receive details about the upcoming information session. 
It has come to our attention that a scam is circulating, falsely using the name and logos of LIRNEasia. A group claiming to work with us is creating bogus WhatsApp groups and possibly engaging in fraudulent activities. We would like to inform the public that LIRNEasia does not collaborate with any such digital marketing agencies. Please be vigilant and do not engage with such schemes. Please be informed that LIRNEasia does not maintain public WhatsApp groups and updates and announcements from LIRNEasia will only be shared through our official emails, social media accounts and website.