TikTok launches dedicated STEM feed in Sri Lanka with Govt. support

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (left) presented with a token of appreciation by TikTok Public Policy for Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia Director Emir Gelen at the launch of TikTok STEM feed in Colombo 

By Tania de Silva

TikTok, with the support of the Government of Sri Lanka, recently announced the launch of a dedicated STEM feed in the country, creating a new in-app destination for credible science, technology, engineering and mathematics content. 

This initiative signals a new era where TikTok, together with the Government and its vibrant Sri Lankan community, will come together to reimagine how education can be accessed, shared, and strengthened in a digital-first world.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who also serves as Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister attended the event as the Chief Guest. The launch was also attended by TikTok representatives, senior Government officials, education leaders and Sri Lankan creators who are actively contributing to STEM education. The gathering underscored the collaborative spirit between TikTok, the Government of Sri Lanka, and the country’s educational community, setting the stage for a transformative initiative aimed at expanding digital learning opportunities for the country’s youth.

The new STEM feed on TikTok is a dedicated in-app experience, where users can explore a curated stream of high-quality content focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is designed to spark curiosity, promote critical thinking, and expand digital learning opportunities, especially for students, educators, and young professionals across Sri Lanka. TikTok has also launched a dedicated hashtag #STEMTok, where it will feature content created by partners, creators and publishers, providing easy access to local language STEM content in the country.

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Amarasuriya welcomed the launch as a landmark step forward. “When global partners step forward to align with our national priorities, as TikTok has done, they add momentum, diversity, and reach. When our Task Force engaged TikTok, we asked: can technology be more than entertainment? Can it inspire learning? Together, we answered yes. The launch is the fruit of that collaboration,” she said.

TikTok Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia Ferdous Mottakin said: “The launch of the STEM feed in Sri Lanka is not only about expanding access to educational content, but also about ensuring that such learning takes place within a safe, transparent, and trusted digital environment.” 

He added, “We recognise young people as active stakeholders in shaping the future of education and technology. By working in partnership with parents, educators, and Government, we believe Sri Lanka can stand as a regional example of how digital platforms can advance national progress and empower the next generation.”

TikTok emphasised that the promise of digital education must go hand in hand with the duty of safeguarding those who participate in it. For TikTok, the safety of users is top priority.

Features like Family Pairing enables parents and guardians to connect their accounts with those of their teens, providing tools such as screen-time management, content filters and controls to reduce unwanted interactions. Additional updates, including Time-Away Scheduling, Teen Network Visibility and Proactive Reporting Alerts, encourage healthy digital habits, support mental health and increase transparency around online interactions. These measures reflect the platform’s safety-by-design principles and are intended to ensure that the STEM feed operates as a secure and credible space for young learners.

The introduction of the STEM feed also aligns with TikTok’s global Community Guidelines, reinforcing the integrity of the learning environment. Only credible and appropriate educational content is featured, ensuring that the platform can be trusted by educators, parents, and policymakers alike.

With the launch of the STEM feed, Sri Lanka joins a global movement where digital platforms are transforming education, but does so with the added strength of Government partnership and national vision. This collaboration represents not just a new feature within an app, but a pivotal moment in the country’s journey to harness technology for development, empower its youth, and secure its place in the future of knowledge.