ICAT Playdate: Uplifting livelihoods of Indigenous peoples in Sri Lanka through technological interventions

Term: Fall 2025

Date: September 19th, 2025

Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Location: Community Assembly in the Creativity + Innovation District Living-Learning Community

Instructor: Phyllis Newbill

Presented By: Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT)

Description:

This project combines Indigenous knowledge with digital innovation to support the Vedda communities of Sri Lanka, one of the country’s most marginalized groups. As climate change worsens and traditional livelihoods become disrupted, internet technology presents new opportunities for connection, adaptation, and resilience. Led by a transdisciplinary team from Virginia Tech, this initiative employs community-based participatory research to examine how Vedda communities interact with technology and how digital tools can aid in farming, fishing, and cultural preservation. Through on-the-ground surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions in six Indigenous communities, the project will collaboratively develop research priorities and ethical methods for a future large-scale project. Ultimately, the goal is to bridge the digital divide--not by imposing external solutions, but by amplifying Indigenous voices and addressing their needs. This effort represents a significant step toward creating inclusive and sustainable futures where technology enhances rather than replaces traditional ways of life.

 

Speakers:

Eranga Galappaththi (PI), Kim Niewolny (Co-PI), Sithuni M. Jayasekara (Graduate student)