Sri Lanka is taking a major step towards improving accessibility of education with the launch of a new digital platform, publiclearn.lk. President Ranil Wickremesinghe will officially unveil the platform today at the Presidential Secretariat.
Publiclearn.lk: A One-Stop Shop for Free Online Courses
This innovative platform aims to empower Sri Lankans by providing a centralized hub for free online courses. Users will be able to explore and enroll in a vast selection of courses offered by some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Regent Global’s CSR Initiative Bridges the Gap
Publiclearn.lk is the brainchild of Regent Global, a Sri Lankan company. Joint CEOs Tharshiny Pankaj and Dr. Selva Pankaj, who spent their early years in Sri Lanka before moving to the UK during the civil war, spearheaded this initiative as a form of corporate social responsibility.
Democratizing Education: From Outside-In to Inside-Out
The platform goes beyond simply providing courses. Publiclearn.lk offers a diverse range of learning opportunities, encompassing both “outside-in” and “inside-out” education.
- Outside-in education focuses on acquiring new knowledge and skills in specific subjects. Publiclearn.lk offers a wide variety of courses in this category, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
- Inside-out education emphasizes personal growth by nurturing character, attitude, and the essential mindsets needed for success in life. Publiclearn.lk complements its course offerings with options that support this holistic development approach.
Looking Ahead: Potential Applications Beyond Individuals
The platform’s developers envision publiclearn.lk extending its reach beyond individual learners. They see immense potential for its use by private sector organizations to support their employees’ professional development through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs and other educational initiatives.
A Virtual Address by a UK Education Leader
State for Education UK Former Secretary Sir Gavin Alexander Williamson CBE is expected to deliver a virtual address during the launch ceremony.
The launch of publiclearn.lk signifies a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s education landscape. This free, accessible, and comprehensive digital platform has the potential to empower Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their educational goals and chart their path to success.