Beyond Mahapola
The Beyond Mahapola Conference is the inaugural national convening under Beyond Mahapola, a platform designed to unite intellectuals across generations, disciplines and regions, revitalising a core vision of Late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali. The Conference seeks to transform a shared educational opportunity into a sustained culture of dialogue, leadership and public responsibility.
For over four decades, initiatives by Late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali have enabled access to higher education for thousands of Sri Lankans. The Beyond Mahapola Inauguration and the subsequent annual conference, seeks to go beyond already existing efforts by uniting intellectuals and graduates across the spectrum to mark a transition from gratitude to responsibility, bringing together to reflect on national challenges, exchange ideas, and develop structured working models on key public policy themes.
Beyond Mahapola
INAUGURAL CEREMONY
The Beyond Mahapola Inaugural Ceremony was held on the 15th of May, 2026 at the Lotus Hall, BMICH. An eminent gathering of intellectuals and graduates across Generations and Fields of Study came together for the First Formal Step 'Beyond' Mahapola, which the organisers, the Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation and the Lalith Athulathmudali Research Centre, strongly believe is a step further the vision of Late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali.
The vision and purpose behind the Beyond Mahapola programme was highlighted, and the upcoming initiatives to realise such vision was unveiled.
The Inaugural Ceremony featured an,
In Retrospect
Expert Dialogue
Summit Overview
The purpose behind the Summit and the Regional Townhalls were elaborated during the inaugural ceremony. Furthermore, the Committees of the Beyond Mahapola Summit 2026 was unveiled, based on which the Beyond Mahapola community will be expanded in the upcoming months.
Beyond Mahapola Summit
2026
Following the Inaugural Ceremony, the Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation and the Lalith Athulathmudali Research Centre endeavours to convene intellectuals and graduates across generations to an annual summit.
This conference will allow the interaction between graduates of a specific sector as well graduates in different levels of their career.
This is not merely a commemorative event. It is the foundation for,
One Day National Summit focusing on impending issues in Sri Lanka
Five Different Committees
+
Ten Technical Sessions
An intergenerational national network committed to knowledge and public service
Quick Look @ The Conference
Format: One-Day National Conference
Structure: Main Plenary + 4 Technical Sessions + Launching Pad for Next Initiatives
What to Expect
Main Plenary Session
A national-level dialogue setting the intellectual and moral tone of the Summit.
Five Themes + Ten Technical Sessions
During the event, participants will take part in a series of technical sessions focusing on different areas related to development and policy. The five themes which are formulated into committees are as follows:
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Committee on Agriculture and Sustainability
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Committee on Education and Skills
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Committee on Energy, Infrastructure and Logistics
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Committee on Economic and Business Development
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Committee on Law and Governance
Participants may register with a theme/committee of their choosing. Each committee will host two technical sessions based on a case study pivoting around the aforementioned theme. Participants will be put into teams prior to the summit, to represent the interests of the people of Sri Lanka.
Requirements for Registration
To ensure meaningful engagement and structured participation, the following requirements apply:
Individual Participantion
Participants should register individually for the summit. Teams will be formulated following a survey conducted by the organising committee.
2. Language Requirement
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The Conference operates on a trilingual platform. However, the Committee on Economic and Business Development and the Committee on Law and Governance will only function in English language.
For More Information, read the Conference Guides Below:
Beyond Mahapola Conference Guide (Sinhala)
Be part of the first edition of the Annual Beyond Mahapola Summit
Join a national gathering of alumni, scholars and professionals committed to transforming educational legacy into collective responsibility and action.
