Empowering Voices: Rishma’s Journey from Educator to Visionary Leader
View(s):For Rishma Farhan, education has always been more than teaching English — it’s about empowering voices, building confidence, and creating opportunities. As the Directress of Royal Academy, Founder of W.E by Rishh, and Founder and Event Co-ordinator of The American Federation of Festivals – Sri Lanka (AFF), she continues to redefine what education and empowerment mean in modern Sri Lanka.
Her story begins at home, deeply rooted in inspiration from her mother — a preschool and elocution principal for over 25 years. “I grew up watching her teach with passion and patience,” Rishma shares. “Her dedication to her students sparked my own dream of creating a space where every child feels seen, guided and celebrated.”
Royal Academy: A Personalised Approach to English Learning
What started as a small classroom has grown into a respected institution with over 1,500 students who’ve walked through its doors. Royal Academy quickly earned a reputation for quality English education for kids and ladies, where language is taught not just as a subject, but as a life skill.
At Royal Academy, Rishma has created a nurturing environment that focuses primarily on reading and grammar for children. Unlike traditional institutes, the Academy
follows its own syllabus
developed and refined by Rishma herself.
Every student receives a customised learning plan following a personal consultation, and the small class sizes ensure individual attention and progress tracking for every child.
Adding to its uniqueness, Royal Academy proudly uses a series of original workbooks authored by Rishma Farhan, designed to make English engaging, structured and age-appropriate. “We’ve received wonderful feedback,” she says. “Students are not only improving in reading and grammar but excelling in their school exams with confidence.”
The demand for quality has grown so much that the Academy now operates strictly on a waiting list basis with seats getting booked within less than 24 hours of opening slots— a testament to the trust and satisfaction of parents.
The American Federation of Festivals – Sri Lanka: A Dream Brought to Life
If Royal Academy was the beginning of Rishma’s story, the American Federation of Festivals (AFF) marks its realisation. What many see as just another English examination board is, for her, the result of years of sleepless nights, challenges and perseverance. AFF is the first-ever U.S.-based English exam board to be introduced in Sri Lanka.
Its inaugural year (2025) was a resounding success, with over 550 candidates from five districts participating across three exam centres. The festival featured an adjudicator from the USA, bringing international standards of evaluation and authentic feedback to every participant.
“For many, it may seem like just another exam board,” Rishma reflects, “but for me, it’s a lifelong dream — one that started when I was a child inspired by my mother’s vision to recognise talent across the island.
She credits her husband’s unwavering support for every step of the journey — through sleepless nights, long planning sessions and countless challenges. “He’s been my strength, my partner and my biggest motivator,” she says warmly. “None of this would have been possible without him.”
AFF continues to stand for fair judgment, transparency, and inclusivity, celebrating young Sri Lankan voices while maintaining the highest international standards.
Teachers/Schools/Institutions in Sri Lanka can register under the exam board by messaging “AFF” via WhatsApp 0772442939.
W.E by Rishh: Empowering Women to Rise
Beyond education, Rishma’s passion extends to women’s empowerment. Her non-profit organisation, with over 500 members, W.E by Rishh (Women Empowerment), aims to uplift and support women to start their own businesses and build self-reliance
“It’s about giving women the tools and belief to chase their dreams,” she explains. Through mentoring, collaborations and her growing online presence on @w.e_byrishh, she continues to inspire a new generation of Sri Lankan women to take charge of their futures.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Rishma’s dream is to continue shaping confident speakers, inspired learners and empowered women. “Education is not just about grades,” she says. “It’s about giving children and women the belief that they are capable of greatness.”
Through her growing academies and initiatives, Rishma Farhan is building more than institutions — she’s building a movement that transforms voices into power.
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