The Journey of LK Domain Registry

Building Sri Lanka's Digital Future: The Journey of LK Domain Registry

The LK Domain Registry, Sri Lanka’s exclusive administrator of .LK web addresses, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s digital landscape for over 34 years, proudly holding a 59% market share of the .LK country code top-level domain (ccTLD).

It all began in 1986, when Gihan Dias, a postgraduate student at the University of California, discovered the internet. This pivotal moment marked the dawn of digital innovation for Sri Lanka. By 1990, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority granted him the .LK domain, establishing Sri Lanka’s unique digital identity. That same year, Gihan and his team launched the nation’s first email system. When he returned to Sri Lanka in 1992, he spearheaded the Lanka Educational and Research Network (LEARN), connecting universities and securing his role as Registrar of the LK Domain Registry.

In 1996, Dr. Dias approached the Computer Information Technology Council (CINTEQ) to manage the .LK domain’s policy and finances. By 2004, LK Domain Registry had evolved into an independent entity, marking a key milestone in its journey.

The organization continued to expand its impact. In 2009, the BestWeb.LK competition was launched to celebrate the nation’s top websites and web developers. In 2010, two new top-level domains, .ලංකා and .இலங்கை  were introduced in Sinhala and Tamil to broaden Sri Lanka’s online presence. LK Domain Registry also launched https://www.hithawathi.lk/ a social initiative focused on promoting safe internet use.

In 2013, Professor Gihan Dias, the CEO and Registrar of LK Domain Registry, was honored in the Internet Hall of Fame, a tribute to his groundbreaking contributions as the Father of the Internet in Sri Lanka. The same year, the organization established https://suhurusara.lk its training division, to boost ICT skills nationwide.

Supporting small businesses and professionals, LK Domain Registry added services like MySite and MyMail. In 2015, the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary, launching https://topweb.lk/ as a monthly website recognition award to help web creators improve and excel in the annual  https://www.bestweb.lk/competition.

From its humble beginnings, LK Domain Registry has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s digital journey, fostering a connected, empowered future. Each domain registered strengthens the digital tapestry of a more connected Sri Lanka.

Thank you for being part of our journey. LK Domain Registry—Your Sri Lankan identity in cyberspace.

LK Domain Registry,

106, Bernard's Business Park,

Dutugemunu Street, Dehiwala.

Email : hostmaster@domains.lk

Contact Number : +94 (0)11 421-6061

Common Scam Methods

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1YL-mPjNuo

SampathSri Rajaratne from LK Domain Registry presented on ITN Digital to discuss common scam methods and how to understand and protect yourself from scammers.

From fraudulent calls to sophisticated online schemes, scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive people. Below is a brief guide to understanding common scams and tips on how to protect yourself.

 

Types of Scams

·               Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies (like banks or tech firms) to steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.

·               Online Shopping Scams: Fake online stores offer low prices or exclusive deals to trick consumers into providing payment details, often resulting in poor-quality products or nothing at all.

·               Investment Scams: These scams promise high returns with little risk, using schemes like Ponzi or pyramid schemes to trick people into investing money.

·               Tech Support Scams: Scammers pretend to be from tech companies, claiming your device has an issue, and request remote access or payment for fake repairs.

·               Romance Scams: Fraudsters build fake online relationships, then ask for money, citing personal crises or emergencies.

·               Lottery or Prize Scams: Scammers tell victims they’ve won a prize or lottery, but request payment or personal details to claim the winnings.

·               Identity Theft: Personal information (like your Social Security number) is stolen and used to commit fraud, such as applying for loans or opening bank accounts in your name.

·               Business Email Compromise (BEC): Scammers hack corporate emails and trick employees into making wire transfers or revealing sensitive information.

·               Freelance Job Scams: Fake job offers ask for upfront payments for training or equipment, or trick freelancers into working without pay.

 

Common Warning Signs of Scams

·               Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking.

·               Unsolicited Communication: Be cautious of unexpected requests for sensitive information.

·               Too Good to Be True Offers: If something seems too good, it likely is.

·               Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies rarely ask for private information via email or phone.

·               Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers often ask for payment through gift cards or wire transfers.

 

How to Protect Yourself

·               Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Always verify unexpected calls, emails, or texts from companies before taking any action.

·               Don’t Share Personal Information: Never give out sensitive details unless you're sure who you're dealing with.

·               Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

·               Use Strong Passwords: Ensure passwords are unique and complex; consider using a password manager.

·               Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity.

·               Avoid Gift Card Payments: If someone asks for payment via gift cards, it's likely a scam.

·               Research Before Investing: Investigate the legitimacy of investment opportunities before committing money.

·               Verify Online Sellers: Stick to trusted websites and look for customer reviews and security measures.

·               Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links in emails or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.

·               Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest scams by following trusted sources.

 

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

·               Report the Scam: Contact local authorities or consumer protection agencies to report the scam.

·               Notify Your Bank: If you’ve shared financial information, contact your bank or credit card provider to reverse the transaction if possible.

·               Monitor Your Credit: Place a fraud alert on your credit report and monitor it for suspicious activity.

·               Change Passwords: Update your passwords if any accounts may have been compromised.

·               Seek Professional Help: For serious fraud, such as identity theft, consult with financial or legal professionals.

 

Final Advice

If you're unable to resolve things on your own, seek professional guidance from services like https://www.hithawathi.lk/