About us

Our Story

The roots of our foundation stretch to Royal Institute International School, the pioneer educational institute in Sri Lanka with a glorious history of over 55 years of excellence in international education. The future of the 21st century will have different challenges that requires young learners to be equipped with modern learning tools to succeed globally. With this vision, RISA has deployed a wide range of practical and explicit strategies that blend the best of what we currently do in the classroom, with new approaches to address the changing realities of the modern world and modern students.

RISA (Royal Institute Smart Academy) is an officially registered Cambridge Online School that makes learning effective and engaging by leveraging cutting edge technology. At RISA, we offer Cambridge courses for O-Levels, AS-Level and A-Level students of ages 14-21.

Students who thrive for independent learning flourish with our programme, that allows them to have a plenty of interaction and engagement with the teachers and fellow students. They make the best use of the interconnected world while still maintaining a genuine human touch to succeed in the modern 21st century.

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Mission, Vision & Values

Shaping Futures
with Purpose

At RISA, our Mission, Vision, and Values form the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to delivering world-class, student-centered education that nurtures curiosity, independence, and global readiness. Through innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, we empower learners to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Our Vision

RISA strives to empower young learners to achieve their fullest potential by providing access to world-class opportunities and global networks. We envision a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that nurtures confident, responsible, and future-ready individuals. Our goal is to shape global citizens who can successfully navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire boundaryless learning through the delivery of world-class, student-centered education tailored to individual learning styles. We foster a flexible and supportive environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and academic excellence. Through strong values and a culture of continuous improvement, we equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

Our Global Network

Students Across the Globe

Our online learning environment connects students from multiple countries through a secure, interactive digital platform.RISA creates a global classroom experience — preparing learners to compete internationally while learning from anywhere.

Messages from Our Visionaries

"Established in the 1970s, Royal Institute began with a simple yet powerful purpose: to unlock potential through education. What started as a single institute supporting Advanced Level students in realising their higher education aspirations has evolved into a leading centre of learning, spanning from school to university level and beyond."

Mr. G.T. Bandara

Chairman

We believe education is a catalyst for transformation: shaping future leaders, fostering innovation, and nurturing curiosity. At Royal Institute, our vision of Excellence in Education comes to life through a seamless ecosystem encompassing our Royal Institute International Schools, Royal Institute Campus (RIC), Royal Institute Smart Academy (RISA),...

Dr. Nirodha Bandara

Academic Director

The Leaders Behind Excellence

Mr. G.T. Bandara

Chairman

Dr. Nirodha Bandara

Academic Director

Ms Hajra

Academic Consultant

Mr Kanishka Rathnayaka

Assistant Academic Coordinator

Ms Sanduni Senarathna

Assistant Admin Coordinator

Message from the Founder/Chairman

Established in the 1970s, Royal Institute began with a simple yet powerful purpose: to unlock potential through education. What started as a single institute supporting Advanced Level students in realising their higher education aspirations has evolved into a leading centre of learning, spanning from school to university level and beyond.

Our journey took a transformative turn in the early 1990s with the commencement of international university partnerships, marking the foundation of our higher education arm. Since then, Royal Institute has continued to elevate the standards of education in Sri Lanka by collaborating with world-renowned universities and offering globally recognised qualifications, while staying true to our Sri Lankan identity and values.

At the heart of our philosophy, The Spring of Wisdom, lies the belief that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but the cultivation of character and the awakening of potential. We strive to inspire students to think critically, explore creatively, and grow holistically, preparing them to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world.

Across our network of Royal Institute International Schools, Royal Institute Campus (RIC) offering university-affiliated programmes, the Royal Institute Smart Academy (RISA), and the Royal Institute Centre for Skills (RICS), we remain dedicated to nurturing individuals who embody intellectual excellence, empathy, integrity, and resilience – qualities that define true leadership.

As we look to the future, our mission remains unwavering: to empower every learner to reach their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Our vision is to reach excellence in education, continually setting new benchmarks for quality and innovation in learning. The legacy of Royal Institute stands as a testament to the power of education to transform lives, and it is my firm belief that this spirit of excellence and wisdom will continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. G.T. Bandara
Founder/Chairman
BSc. Dip Stat, MBA, Attorney-at-Law, Solicitor (UK)

Message from the Academic Director

We believe education is a catalyst for transformation: shaping future leaders, fostering innovation, and nurturing curiosity. At Royal Institute, our vision of Excellence in Education comes to life through a seamless ecosystem encompassing our Royal Institute International Schools, Royal Institute Campus (RIC), Royal Institute Smart Academy (RISA), Royal Institute Centre for Skills (RICS), and the Royal Institute Fitness Centre. Together, these pillars provide a holistic learning experience that blends academic rigor, practical application, digital innovation, and personal well-being.

Our five Royal Institute International Schools provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning, nurturing intellectual growth, personal character, and co-curricular development from nursery to Advanced Level studies. Within this supportive environment, students cultivate confidence, curiosity, and resilience, equipping them to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

RISA, our pioneering online school, extends this learning beyond the classroom. By leveraging innovative technology and flexible teaching methods, RISA empowers students to learn anytime, anywhere, developing independence, adaptability, and the digital skills required for the modern era.

At the tertiary level, RIC’s internationally recognised degree programmes prepare students for success across diverse professional environments. Through collaborations with prestigious universities such as the University of London and Deakin University, Australia, students in Sri Lanka gain globally recognised qualifications, combining rigorous academic knowledge with practical skills and critical thinking, thereby improving their opportunity to engage in global careers.

RICS, our Centre for Skills, and Royal Institute Fitness Centre further complement this journey by promoting vocational expertise, professional competencies, physical well-being, and sportsmanship. Through all our institutions, students engage in experiential learning through research projects, internships, and community initiatives, ensuring development of mind, body, and character.

I am proud to witness our students flourish as curious, compassionate, and innovative thinkers. By fostering knowledge, creativity, and integrity across every school, campus, and platform, Royal Institute continues to pursue its vision of Excellence in Education, ensuring that The Spring of Wisdom inspires generations to lead with purpose, confidence, and impact.

Dr. Nirodha Bandara
Academic Director
PhD (Nottingham, UK), ATCL (Sp/Dr), MSc (Warwick, UK), BA (Hons) (Sheffield, UK

Full Name with Initials

N. D. Palliyaguru

Subject teaching at RISA

Cambridge OL Computer Science (2210)

Qualifications 

Pearson Diploma in Education,

Diploma in IT,

Higher Diploma in IT,

BIT(UoC), 

BBA(Reading)

Full Name with Initials

Dr Vidusha Thebuwana

Subject teaching at RISA

AS/AL – Physics

Qualifications 

MBBS/ Public Health Researcher,

Visiting Lecturer – UOL psychology program

Full Name with Initials

T.H. Vinugi Mihidini De Silva

Subject teaching at RISA

Cambridge Accounting OL – 7707

Cambridge Accounting AL – 9706

Qualifications 

BSc. Accounting & Finance (Reading)

Full Name with Initials

N.K Koralage

Subject teaching at RISA

Psychology 9990

Qualifications 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons)
Diploma in Psychology

Full Name with Initials

Dr A.D.M.D. Liyanage

Subject teaching at RISA

Cambridge Biology 5090

Qualifications 

MBBS (USJ)

Currently following a master’s in public health

Undergraduate degree in English
Language and Teaching

Full Name with Initials

H.W. A. Ishana Hewawasam

Subject teaching at RISA

AS & A/L Computer Science – CS 9618

Qualifications 

BSc (HONS) in Software Engineering &
Computer Science/ Second Upper – UK University of Bedfordshire

Full Name with Initials

F. Qadirah I. B.

Subject teaching at RISA

Cambridge Mathematics O/L 4024

Qualifications 

BSc in Mathematics and Economics, and part-qualified in ACCA