By: Isuru Parakrama

October 29, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with local game studio WhimsicalWits, launched Cyber Hero—a mobile app aimed at educating young people and marginalised communities about online safety and responsible digital conduct.

This initiative, launched yesterday (28) as part of the Protecting Online Rights of Changemakers (PORCH) project, was introduced during an event at the American Centre in Colombo, aligning with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which promotes secure online behaviour worldwide.

Cyber Hero is a free app available on the Google Play Store, uniquely designed to simulate real-world digital safety challenges, helping users learn to identify and respond to threats such as phishing scams, malware, and privacy breaches.

Developed by WhimsicalWits, a female-led game development studio in Sri Lanka, this initiative underscores the commitment of both the U.S. and Sri Lankan teams to advancing cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy.

During the launch, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, joined by WhimsicalWits Managing Director Uthpala Pathirana, led a demonstration of the app to an audience of media, youth leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Ambassador Chung highlighted the pressing need for cybersecurity education, emphasising how Cyber Hero offers practical tools that young people and community members can use to protect themselves online.

“Cybersecurity isn’t just a global issue; it’s personal and local. We are thrilled to see how Cyber Hero—developed by the talented young team at WhimsicalWits—will contribute to a smarter, safer digital world,” said Chung.

She added that by providing this tool free of charge, the U.S. Embassy aims to cultivate a culture of digital responsibility that benefits individuals, families, and communities.

The app’s design emphasises engaging gameplay that makes learning about cybersecurity accessible and enjoyable. Users encounter various interactive scenarios in a 3D environment, learning digital rights concepts through immersive experiences.

The narrative of Cyber Hero was crafted by Digitally Right, a Bangladeshi organisation known for developing educational digital content, ensuring the storyline resonates with a young audience across South Asia.

WhimsicalWits, the studio behind Cyber Hero, is a pioneering game development and animation studio in Sri Lanka. Operated by a predominantly female team, it forms part of Digital Turtles, a regional organisation dedicated to digital advocacy and strategy. Known for its expertise in creating impactful digital storytelling experiences, WhimsicalWits focuses on projects that encourage responsible online behaviour and advance digital literacy across communities.

“This project has been both a challenge and an opportunity,” noted Uthpala Pathirana. “Our goal is to make complex digital safety concepts more relatable and engaging, giving young users confidence as they navigate the digital world.”

Cyber Hero’s development was supported by Internews and funded by the U.S. Embassy as part of its wider initiative to foster cybersecurity and digital safety in Sri Lanka.

The app’s global launch at the American Centre Colombo was a collaborative effort, demonstrating the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Sri Lanka.

The American Centre serves as a central space for programmes, discussions, and cultural exchange, helping to connect Sri Lankan communities with U.S. values and knowledge-sharing resources.

With locations in Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy, Matara, and Batticaloa, these American Spaces provide a range of resources, from English language workshops to discussions on U.S. society, film screenings, and storytelling sessions.

Cyber Hero can be downloaded at www.whimsicalwits.com/cyberhero.