Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige | Forus

Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige

Sri Lanka

Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige is an integrative researcher and advocate with eight years of experience dedicated to mental, communal and planetary well-being. With a Master's in Clinical Psychology, she specialises in health and climate resilience, applying an ecopsychology/intersectional lens to bridge with environmental, social and digital engagements. As the Co-Director of The Biodiversity Project, she has extensive experience in using digital advocacy to combat disinformation, elevate community voices, and foster a rights-based digital future. Her work is driven by a commitment towards a more just and fair future by creating positive change through interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative partnerships.

With over eight years of experience committed to addressing critical challenges such as climate change, geopolitical conflict, and a degrading environment, which are interlinked with exacerbated problems, I believe I can effectively utilise my skills in elevating communication and advocacy within your team. My unique background in psychology, combined with my extensive experience in environmental and social justice, further positions me to make meaningful contributions to this program.

 

My desire to be a Youth Digital Rights Advocate stems from my work on the ground with vulnerable and marginalised communities, where I've seen firsthand how digital platforms impact lived realities. I have contributed to campaigns addressing the misuse of the Online Safety Act, as well as the Prevention of Terrorism Act being used to target specific groups and individuals, which has highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive digital rights framework that protects vulnerable groups. I've witnessed how the spread of misinformation and digital attacks on activists disproportionately affect those already facing the brunt of climate change and social injustice. My work has shown me that the digital realm is not separate from our physical reality; it is a new frontier in the fight for justice. My experience in internet governance and digital rights is rooted in practical, on-the-ground advocacy.

 

Through my role as a Co-Director at The Biodiversity Project and my work with the People's Alliance for Right to Land (PARL), I have actively engaged in digital storytelling, using online platforms to raise awareness about the lived experiences of affected communities. This work has given me hands-on experience in creating impactful content while navigating the challenges of online safety and combating disinformation. My psychological background provides a unique perspective on human behaviour and societal dynamics that shape these digital interactions. This allows me to understand not just the technical and policy aspects, but also the emotional and psychological impacts of digital rights infringements, an area I am eager to explore further through an ecopsychology lens.

CADE Youth Voices visuals and quotes (5) | Forus

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