Sri Lanka is set to rejoin the global World’s Largest Lesson (WLL) initiative after a six-year gap, bringing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back into classrooms across the country through a youth-driven education movement led by AIESEC in Sri Lanka.
Launched globally by Project Everyone in partnership with UNICEF, the World’s Largest Lesson aims to inspire young students to understand and take action on global challenges, including climate change, quality education, equality and sustainable development.
AIESEC in Sri Lanka will lead the national initiative for the second time, combining its experience in youth leadership development, cross-cultural exchange and social impact to expand awareness among school communities.
Nationwide Reach Through Two-Phase Campaign
At a press conference held on July 4, members of the WLL core committee announced that this year’s programme will be conducted in two phases — the “Miles for Lesson” Awareness Run followed by the main educational event scheduled for August 3.
The flagship event aims to reach approximately 30,000 students across 40 to 50 schools in districts including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle and Jaffna.
The initiative will be delivered by a network of more than 500 youth volunteers aged between 18 and 30, reflecting AIESEC’s commitment to empowering young people to lead positive social change.
Building Awareness Through Youth Participation
Organisers highlighted that the return of the World’s Largest Lesson represents an important milestone in reconnecting Sri Lankan students with global sustainability goals, with special focus on reaching both urban and rural communities.
To create greater awareness and encourage youth participation, AIESEC in Sri Lanka will conduct the “Miles for Lesson” Awareness Run on July 25 at Independence Square, Colombo, commencing from 7.00 a.m.
The event will serve as a platform to promote the initiative, raise public awareness and attract more volunteers ahead of the main classroom-based programme.
Inspiring Future Sustainability Leaders
AIESEC’s involvement reflects its global mission of developing youth leadership and encouraging young people to contribute towards sustainable development. Operating in more than 100 countries, the organisation provides opportunities for youth to build leadership capabilities through international exchange programmes and community-based projects aligned with the United Nations SDG framework.
Through the return of the World’s Largest Lesson, AIESEC in Sri Lanka aims not only to educate thousands of students about global goals but also to inspire a generation of young leaders committed to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Sri Lanka’s Digital Identity Project Set for Launch, Indian High Commissioner Confirms
Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) project, implemented with support from India, is ready for launch, with only a few remaining formalities to be completed before the official announcement, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said.
Speaking at the inauguration of the DISHA Mentorship Programme 2026 organised by India’s National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) in Colombo, Jha described the digital identity initiative as more than a technology project, calling it a key step in nation-building and a foundation for Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
He commended Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Senior Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya for their leadership and commitment towards advancing the initiative.
“When every citizen has a verified and trusted digital identity, something very fundamental changes. Social inclusion stops being only a policy goal and becomes a practical reality,” Jha said.
He noted that the SL-UDI project would create the essential foundation required for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation by enabling greater adoption of services such as fintech solutions, e-commerce platforms and digital government services.
Strengthening India-Sri Lanka Digital Cooperation
Highlighting the importance of closer cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in emerging technologies, Jha said artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and allowing smaller teams and businesses to compete globally.
He emphasised that no country or organisation can address the challenges and opportunities created by AI alone, adding that collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous learning are essential in navigating the fast-changing technology landscape.
According to Jha, both India and Sri Lanka possess strong talent pools in artificial intelligence, and initiatives such as the DISHA Mentorship Programme provide valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators from both countries to collaborate and develop solutions together.
Expanding Technology Partnerships
Reflecting on the growing technology partnership between the two nations, Jha highlighted the visit of a NASSCOM delegation led by CEO Rajesh Nambiar to Colombo in December last year, despite challenges following the cyclone, describing it as a strong demonstration of India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka.
He also recalled Sri Lanka’s participation at the NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum in India in February 2025, where a delegation led by Deputy Minister Weeraratne engaged with global technology leaders.
Such exchanges between industry and government, he noted, play an important role in building long-term trust, strengthening innovation ecosystems and deepening digital cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka to Relaunch World’s Largest Lesson After Six Years with Nationwide Awareness Campaign
