I am thrilled to share the launch of publiclearn.lk, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing access to digital education for all Sri Lankans. This project, championed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, represents a significant milestone in making education more accessible and achievable via digital platforms.

Public Learn is designed to be a comprehensive portal that directs users to a vast array of free courses from some of the world’s leading universities. At Regent Group, we have curated this platform with the belief that education should be accessible to everyone. My wife, Tharshiny Pankaj, and I, both born in Sri Lanka, have always harboured a deep desire to support our motherland. Having left Sri Lanka for the UK during the civil war, we have long sought a meaningful way to give back to our country. Public Learn is our humble contribution towards securing the prosperous future that Sri Lanka rightfully deserves.

Public Learn democratises education by providing access to hundreds, if not thousands, of formal ‘outside-in’ education courses on a myriad of subjects. This form of education is about acquiring new knowledge and skills from external sources. Additionally, Public Learn offers several ‘inside-out’ education courses, which focus on personal growth, character development, and mindset cultivation.

The inside-out education courses available through Public Learn include “Thinking into Character,” “The Mindset,” “The Power of Learning from DAD,” and “Think and Grow Rich.” Historically, these ideas have transformed lives, especially in post-Great Depression America, and continue to inspire leaders in Silicon Valley today. Usually, these courses are exclusive to Regent Group institutions, but we are honoured to share them with Sri Lankans to help them harness their innate intelligence and realise their full potential.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe eloquently stated, “Since achieving independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its progress. Insurgencies, a prolonged civil war, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic have all contributed to missed opportunities for educational advancement. Lifelong learning is a crucial pathway for Sri Lanka to accelerate its development. This one-stop learning portal allows Sri Lankans to access free educational opportunities, empowering them to achieve their goals. By fostering the character and capacity of its citizens, Sri Lanka will undoubtedly prosper.”

As I reflect on our rapidly changing world, it becomes evident that people must harness their unique human potential—what I term as Natural Intelligence—in response to technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence. Inside-out education is pivotal in this regard, showcasing what we can achieve when we tap into our natural intelligence and develop a resilient mindset. Tharshiny and I are deeply hopeful that Public Learn will enable Sri Lankans to maximise their potential and build a brighter future through continuous learning.

Tharshiny and I established Regent Group in 2000 with a vision to create a global business that makes a meaningful impact in education, investment, and economic development. As joint CEOs, we have dedicated ourselves to driving this vision forward, ensuring that our work benefits communities both locally and globally.

In 2017, we launched the Global Unity Dinner and Forum, an initiative close to our hearts. This event brings together the Sri Lankan diaspora and other communities in the UK to foster unity, peace, and understanding. It is our way of promoting dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups, reinforcing our commitment to global harmony.

Our journey with Regent Group has been incredibly fulfilling, and we are proud of the strides we have made. We invite you to learn more about our work and initiatives by visiting www.regent.global.

Public Learn is an exciting step forward in the democratisation of education in Sri Lanka. By providing free access to high-quality courses, both from outside-in and inside-out educational perspectives, we hope to empower Sri Lankans to achieve their full potential. Visit publiclearn.lk today to explore the diverse range of free courses available.