A Vision Realised: 32 Years of Educational Excellence and a Global Triumph in Public Speaking by Dr.Mohan Lal Grero
View(s):- Founder – Lyceum International School, Sri Lanka
On the 14th of June 2025, Lyceum International Schools will proudly mark its 32nd anniversary — a milestone that is both a celebration of our enduring commitment to holistic education and a reflection on the remarkable achievements of our students, who carry forward the ideals we have tirelessly worked to instill. Among these achievements, one truly stands out as a crowning moment not only for Lyceum but for the entire nation: Master Sashane Dissanayaka, a 16-year-old student of Lyceum, has won the prestigious International Public Speaking Competition 2025, organised by the English Speaking Union at its historic headquarters in Dartmouth House, London.
This victory is not merely a trophy or a title; it is the realisation of a vision I held close to my heart over three decades ago — the dream of producing confident, articulate, and globally competitive young citizens through a uniquely crafted educational experience in Sri Lanka.
A Journey That Began With a Vision
In 1993, I founded Lyceum International School with a mission that was as bold as it was necessary: to revolutionise education in Sri Lanka by offering a globally-aligned curriculum within a culturally respectful and values-driven framework. Over the years, Lyceum grew not just in size but in spirit — expanding into a network of schools across the island, impacting thousands of families from diverse communities and religious backgrounds, and setting a benchmark in the field of private international education.
Our journey has always been guided by a strong philosophical foundation: that education must extend beyond the mere transmission of knowledge. It must shape the character, confidence, and communication skills of every child. This belief led to one of the most defining educational innovations of Lyceum — the introduction of a compulsory subject from Grade One onwards, called “Effective Speech.”
The Power of Speech: A Curriculum Innovation
Long before communication skills became a global buzzword in education, Lyceum had already recognised its transformative power. The Effective Speech programme was born out of my conviction that Sri Lankan children — given the right training and environment — could become world-class speakers and leaders.
This was not a supplementary activity. It was a core part of our curriculum, one that blended elements of drama, debate, storytelling, and structured public speaking. From their very first year at school, Lyceum students were encouraged to take the stage, express their ideas, argue their opinions, and engage in discussions. It became a culture, a movement within our schools, embraced by students, teachers, and parents alike.
Year after year, our students began to shine at local, regional, and international speech competitions. The results spoke for themselves. But the true measure of success was in the personal transformation of our students — the quiet, hesitant six-year-olds who turned into bold, articulate young adults by the time they graduated.
A Star Is Born: Master Sashane Dassanayaka
Among the many success stories shaped by the Effective Speech programme, Sashane’s achievement represents the pinnacle. Having joined Lyceum at the tender age of three, he grew up within the nurturing arms of our academic and co-curricular framework. He was, in every sense, a child of Lyceum — a product of our educational vision and a testament to its effectiveness.
Over the years, Sashane participated in numerous speech competitions at school, regional, and national levels, steadily honing his craft. He demonstrated not only natural talent but the discipline, maturity, and critical thinking that great speakers possess. At the International Public Speaking Competition held this year in London — a platform that attracts the brightest young speakers from around the world — he delivered a speech that moved the judges and captivated the audience.
His topic, his poise, his confidence, and his clarity marked him out as a speaker of extraordinary calibre. And when he was announced as the Winner of the International Public Speaking Competition 2025, it was a moment of immense pride not only for Lyceum, but for all of Sri Lanka.
A Personal Dream Fulfilled
As an educator and founder, there are few moments more gratifying than seeing a vision come alive through the success of one’s students. Sashane’s victory is, to me, the fulfilment of a dream that began in a single classroom 32 years ago — a dream to equip our students with skills that transcend exams and textbooks, to give them a voice, and to teach them how to use it with power and responsibility.
His achievement is not isolated. It is the culmination of years of collective effort — from dedicated teachers of Effective Speech training ,complimented by Speech and Drama subject,to supportive parents, and a school culture that values expression and excellence. It reaffirms that when education is driven by vision and purpose, the results are transformative.
32 Years of Service and Transformation
As we celebrate this anniversary, we also reflect on the broader contribution Lyceum International Schools have made to the nation. With campuses across the island, we have educated over 100,000 students over the years, each one given equal opportunity regardless of ethnicity, religion, or economic background. Our multicultural and multi-religious ethos has fostered not only tolerance but true unity among our learners.
We have led initiatives in Science, Technology, Arts, Sports, and Languages. We have pioneered the integration of Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel qualifications in Sri Lanka, ensuring our students are globally competitive. We have also prioritised values — teaching kindness, civic responsibility, and leadership alongside academic excellence.
Moreover, Lyceum has created thousands of jobs, contributed to teacher training and capacity building, and consistently raised the standards of private education in Sri Lanka. We have done all this without compromising our core belief: that education must serve the whole child — head, heart, and hand.
Looking Ahead
The journey is far from over. In the years to come, we will continue to innovate and expand. Our newest initiative — the establishment of a private medical faculty in Sri Lanka — especially for international students will take Lyceum’s legacy into the realm of higher education, offering aspiring doctors world-class training and clinical partnerships.
But as we grow, we remain anchored to the founding ideals that have guided us thus far. We will continue to champion communication, critical thinking, and creativity. We will continue to raise leaders — not just successful professionals, but compassionate, ethical citizens of the world.
A Message to Our Students and Parents
To every student of Lyceum — past, present, and future — I say this: your voice matters. Learn to use it wisely and courageously. Sashane has shown the world what is possible when confidence meets preparation. Let his journey inspire you to pursue your own passions with purpose.
To the parents who have entrusted us with the education of their children, thank you. Your support, faith, and partnership have made everything possible
Thirty-two years ago, we set out with a dream to redefine education in Sri Lanka. Today, we stand proud — not only of our longevity, but of our impact. Sashane’s victory is more than a medal. It is a message to the world that Sri Lanka can nurture global champions. It is proof that vision, when combined with dedication, creates history.
Here’s to 32 years of Lyceum — and to many more years of excellence, transformation, and dreams fulfilled.
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