Beyond Mahapola' National Schools Debate Championship launched

Carrying forward the vision and educational legacy of the late Lalith Athulathmudali—one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished statesmen, an internationally acclaimed debater, and the founder of the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund—the Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation has launched an annual national schools debate championship under the theme “Beyond Mahapola.”

The inaugural edition is expected to become one of the largest school debate competitions ever organized in Sri Lanka, bringing together a large number of schools from across the country, including international schools. A distinctive feature of the championship is that debates will be conducted in all three national mediums—Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

This year’s championship focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Governance, Digital Transformation, Digital Ethics, and Future Leadership. The themes have been selected in conjunction with the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance and Human Rights, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 6–7 July 2026.

In a world undergoing rapid technological transformation, the primary objective of the competition is to encourage school students to develop knowledge of artificial intelligence, critical thinking, logical decision-making, ethical responsibility, and a culture of democratic dialogue.

The opening rounds of the championship will be held on 11 and 12 July 2026 at Royal College, Colombo, with participation from a large number of schools representing different provinces across Sri Lanka.

The educational legacy of Lalith Athulathmudali

Established in 1993, the Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation is committed to advancing the national development and educational vision of the late Lalith Athulathmudali.

The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund, initiated in 1981 as his visionary concept, has now supported the higher education of more than 4.5 million university students. It is recognized as one of the world’s largest independent scholarship programmes. Originally established through his personal contribution, the Trust continues to be administered by an independent Board of Trustees, free from political influence.

Lalith Athulathmudali was an outstanding alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, and gained international recognition as an exceptional debater. He served as President of the Oxford University Debating Team and became the first Sri Lankan to be elected President of the Oxford Union, marking a historic achievement.

Accordingly, organizing this national debate championship to promote intellectual leadership, critical thinking, and a culture of democratic dialogue through debating represents a fitting tribute to his educational philosophy and distinguished national service.

The Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation believes that the “Beyond Mahapola” National Schools Debate Championship is a national investment in nurturing a new generation of intelligent, ethical, and globally competent young leaders capable of addressing the challenges of Sri Lanka’s future.