Cybercrimes against women in Sri Lanka have crossed 12,000 complaints in three years, with police using AI and special units.
Cybercrimes against women in Sri Lanka have exceeded 12,000 complaints over the past three years, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala revealed in Parliament yesterday (07).
The Minister made the disclosure while responding to a question raised by Parliamentarian Rajeevan Jayachandramoorthy.
He also explained to the House the measures already taken to strengthen digital security for women and respond more effectively to online harassment and related offences.
According to the data presented by the Minister, police have received a total of 12,004 complaints relating to cybercrimes against women from 2023 to 2025.
In 2023, a total of 4,103 complaints were reported. Of these, 755 have been resolved so far, while investigations and prosecutions are continuing in relation to another 3,348 complaints.
In 2024, police received 3,159 complaints. Out of that number, 982 have been resolved, while legal action is being pursued regarding the remaining 2,177 complaints.
In 2025 alone, 4,742 such complaints have already been received. Of these, 572 have been resolved, while investigations are ongoing into another 4,170 complaints.
Minister Wijepala stated that the Sri Lanka Police, including the Computer Crimes Investigation Division, is working with relevant institutions and international assistance to control the situation.
He further emphasized that artificial intelligence technology and monitoring systems are being used to promptly remove content linked to the harassment of women on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The Minister said special attention is being given to cybercrime cases involving women, while strict law enforcement measures have also been introduced.
To conduct wider investigations into these offences, specialized cybercrime prevention units have already been established in every province of the country, including the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
This allows individuals to file complaints regarding cybercrimes within their own province.
Although a specific timeframe cannot be given for resolving every cybercrime case, the Minister noted that certain cases may take one or two years to complete.
He added that broad awareness programs have also been implemented through television and radio channels to educate women and girls on digital safety.
