The Pathfinder Foundation and the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka have launched a lecture series marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, opening with a discussion on the educational and institutional legacy of Thomas Jefferson.
The first lecture, titled “The Legacy of Thomas Jefferson on Education and Institutions”, was held on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The event formed part of a series commemorating the semi-quincentennial anniversary of American independence and examining the continuing relevance of the ideas and contributions of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers who helped establish the United States and shape its early democratic institutions and principles, was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, and later became the country’s third President. His advocacy of education and the advancement of knowledge also led to his founding of the University of Virginia and his involvement in the early development of the Library of Congress.
Ms. Lara Szypszak, U.S. Fulbright Specialist, delivered the lead lecture, focusing on Jefferson’s influence on education, institutions and the pursuit of knowledge. She examined his role in establishing the University of Virginia and his broader contribution to educational and knowledge institutions in the United States.
The discussion also considered Jefferson’s connection to the Library of Congress, whose collection was built in part from his personal collection. Ms. Szypszak highlighted the continuing role of libraries and archives in preserving knowledge, expanding access to information and connecting people with educational resources. She noted that libraries in the United States have evolved into important community spaces supporting learning, discovery and public access to information.
The presentation argued that Jefferson’s enduring legacy extends beyond the institutions associated with his name, resting also on the principle that education, access to knowledge and informed citizens are fundamental to a free society.
Dr. Sujata Gamage, Senior Research Fellow at LIRNEasia and Coordinator of the Education Forum, Sri Lanka, served as discussant, bringing a Sri Lankan and contemporary education-policy perspective to the proceedings. Drawing on her previous work and experience in the United States, she reflected on Jefferson’s work and the evolution of American universities in relation to the contemporary situation and challenges facing universities in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Gamage also discussed the development of the U.S. research university system, noting how American universities grew from relatively modest institutions in the 19th century into global centres of research and graduate education, attracting students and scholars from across the world.
The lecture was followed by a fireside discussion and an open-floor question-and-answer session, allowing participants to examine the relevance of Jefferson’s ideas to contemporary education and institutional development. The speakers acknowledged that Jefferson’s original vision emerged from a very different social and historical context, while agreeing that aspects of his thinking remain relevant, particularly the value of participatory education and institutions that contribute to public life and shape the role of citizens in democracies.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, and Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation. Representatives of diplomatic missions, think tanks, students, academia and professional communities attended and participated in the discussion.
The Founding Fathers Lecture series forms part of broader initiatives by the U.S. Embassy and the Pathfinder Foundation to promote dialogue and deepen understanding of the historical, institutional and intellectual foundations of the United States, while exploring their lasting contributions to addressing current shared challenges.
