On June 9, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka marked the graduation of 90 secondary school students from Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Nuwara Eliya. These students completed the English Access Scholarship Program funded by the United States. The event took place in Galle and included U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Professor Gamani Fonseka, Director of Smart International Professionals for Leadership Education (SIPLEE), who presented certificates to the graduates.
The program offers a free two-year course that provides intensive English language and leadership training to economically disadvantaged youth. This initiative aims to enhance their educational and career opportunities while fostering connections between the United States and Sri Lanka.
During the ceremony, students demonstrated their improved English skills by acting as Masters of Ceremony, giving speeches, performing a play, and singing. Ambassador Julie Chung commended their achievements: “Programs like Access do more than teach English—they build leadership. These students are developing the communication skills, confidence, and global mindset that will help them succeed in any field they choose, from technology to public service.”
The English Access Scholarship Program is part of a global initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State. It provides talented students from underprivileged communities with free training in American English along with leadership and communication skills over two years. In Sri Lanka, it is implemented by local educators at five locations across the country with funding from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.
Since its inception in Sri Lanka in 2004, over 1,300 youths have benefited from this program. Many graduates pursue higher education or secure competitive scholarships for U.S. exchanges while entering careers across various sectors such as education, technology, business, and public service.
Access classes are conducted by experienced Sri Lankan professionals using interactive teaching methods focused on real-world communication and personal development.