Title: Uplifting Livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples in Sri Lanka through Technological Interventions (2024–2025)

This project explores how Sri Lanka’s Indigenous Peoples (Vedda) can harness internet technology to improve their livelihoods amidst climate change. Through community-based participatory research, we conduct field studies to assess technological needs, barriers, and opportunities across Indigenous communities. Findings will inform a co-developed large-scale NSF proposal, aiming to design sustainable technological interventions. This initiative fosters meaningful collaboration between Virginia Tech and Indigenous communities, ensuring research benefits align with local priorities. By integrating Indigenous knowledge with digital access, this project empowers marginalized communities to navigate climate challenges and economic transitions more effectively.