COLOMBO – The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with WhimsicalWits, launched Cyber Hero, a mobile app designed to educate and empower youth and marginalized communities on digital safety and responsible online behavior on Monday, 28 Oct.
Developed by a female-led team at WhimsicalWits in Sri Lanka, this innovative app underscores the strong U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and commitment to advancing cybersecurity and digital literacy.
The global launch event, held at the American Center in Colombo, featured a demonstration of Cyber Hero led by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Uthpala Pathirana, Managing Director of WhimsicalWits. The event was attended by media professionals, youth leaders, and key stakeholders.
Cyber Hero is a free educational tool available on the Google Play Store, designed to immerse players in real-world online safety scenarios. The app teaches users how to recognize and respond to cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and privacy breaches, making it an effective resource for building digital resilience among young people and communities.
In her remarks Ambassador Chung emphasized the significance of cybersecurity education: “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. By offering this tool for free, we are not only providing immediate education but also fostering a culture of digital responsibility and safety that will benefit individuals, families, and communities for years to come.”
The launch of Cyber Hero coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at promoting safe online practices. Developed as part of the Protecting Online Rights of Changemakers (PORCH) project, supported by Internews and funded by the U.S. Embassy, Cyber Hero is a key educational tool designed to empower young people to protect themselves from digital threats such as phishing, malware, and privacy breaches. The game uses an immersive, gamified experience to make complex digital rights concepts accessible and engaging for players, helping them navigate the online world with confidence.
The game is a collaborative effort involving key partners across South Asia, with WhimsicalWits Studio leading the design and development of the 3D game. The script for Cyber Hero was developed by Digitally Right, Bangladesh, who brought their expertise in crafting educational digital content to ensure the game’s narrative resonates with young players.
With Cyber Hero, the U.S. Embassy reaffirms its commitment to promoting digital safety and strengthening ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, contributing to a more secure digital future for all.
For more information about Cyber Hero and to download the app, visit https://www.whimsicalwits.com/cyberhero .
About WhimsicalWits: WhimsicalWits is a Sri Lankan-based game development and animation studio, led by a dynamic female-led team dedicated to developing innovative tech-driven tools that empower communities and inspire positive change. It is the gaming arm of the regional digital advocacy and strategy organization, Digital Turtles. Known for their expertise in digital storytelling and game development, WhimsicalWits is committed to advancing digital literacy and promoting responsible online behavior through engaging and impactful projects.
About our American Spaces Network: U.S. Embassy Colombo’s American Spaces network, with locations in Colombo, Jaffna, Kandy, Matara, and Batticaloa, provide welcoming environments where visitors can connect and learn about the United States through programs and lectures, as well as through books, movies, and magazines. These American Spaces serve as platforms of knowledge sharing and collaboration for Sri Lankans from all walks of life to come together to engage on issues of common and global interest. These spaces are dedicated to promoting educational growth, cultural exchange, and social development through access to extensive resources and communal engagement. American Spaces organizes a wide range of interactive programs both virtually and in-person. There’s something for everyone, whether English language workshops, entrepreneurial mentoring, sessions on U.S. higher education, or discussions on a full range of U.S. policy, society and culture, film screenings, and story-telling sessions. In 2023, the global American Spaces network — which includes American Centers, American Corners, and Binational Centers — reached over 41 million people worldwide through nearly 1.5 million engagement programs and opportunities. Visit one of the American Spaces to learn more!
