20 Years of Shilpa Sayura
For 20 years, Shilpa Sayura has used education, technology and social innovation to expand opportunities across Sri Lanka. Our journey beganwith local-language digital learning and a commitment to making knowledge accessible to young people and underserved communities.
Over the years, our work has expanded to include national education, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, climate technology, gender-responsive development, youth media and inclusive digital services.
Today, Shilpa Sayura Foundation continues to connect local knowledge with emerging technology, preparing the next generation to learn,
innovate and lead.
Highlight: Cyber Defence Initiative
Protecting communities. Strengthening support networks. Building
cyber resilience.
The Cyber Defence Initiative will strengthen cyber resilience in Sri
Lanka through community protection, trusted support networks, threat
awareness and coordinated cyber defence. The initiative will help
individuals, institutions and communities recognise emerging risks,
protect critical information, improve incident readiness and build
trusted networks for collective cybersecurity.
Current Projects
Cyber Shield
Building practical cyber-safety knowledge, community support
networks and stronger digital resilience among young people,
institutions and local communities.
Climate Tech Girls
Supporting girls to explore climate science, environmental
monitoring, digital tools and practical technology solutions for
climate resilience.
AI for STEM Education
Equipping teachers and students with practical skills in
artificial intelligence, coding, electronics and the Internet of
Things through applied STEM learning.
Digital National Education
Expanding access to inclusive, local-language digital learning
resources and strengthening pathways for education, skills and
lifelong learning.
Awards for Innovation and Impact
Shilpa Sayura has received national and international recognition for
its contributions to education, technology, youth empowerment and
social innovation.
- 2025 — AI Hackathon Sri Lanka
- 2022 — Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2020 — UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
- 2020 — WSIS Prizes Champion, International Telecommunication Union
- 2020 — Finalist, AFS Global Citizen Award
- 2017 — Internet Society 25 Under 25 Award
- 2017 — TADHack Sri Lanka Hackathon Award
- 2013 — World Summit Youth Award
- 2013 — Adobe–UNICEF Challenge Award
- 2013 — Two Adobe Aspire Awards: Poster Campaign and Photo Essay
- 2013 — Microsoft–World Bank Youth Solutions Award
- 2009 — Lien i3 Challenge, Singapore Management University
- 2008 — Stockholm Challenge Award, Sweden
- 2008 — DISKOBOLOS International Award
- 2008 — Best Corporate Citizen Award, Sri Lanka
- 2007 — Global Knowledge Partnership Award, Malaysia
- 2007 — i4D Award, India
Partners
We work with a diverse network of partners, including government
institutions, grassroots organisations, universities, schools,
private-sector companies, professional bodies, civil-society
organisations and funding agencies.
These partnerships help us expand access to learning, deliver
training, strengthen cybersecurity, support girls and young people,
conduct research and pilot practical technology solutions.