To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Pathfinder Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, is hosting a series of lectures on the legacy of America’s Founding Fathers.

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 lecture was the first in a series commemorating the semi-quincentennial anniversary of American independence, exploring the enduring contributions and ideas of the Founding Fathers of the United States and their continued relevance to contemporary society.

Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, the group of leaders who helped establish the country and shape its early democratic institutions and principles. Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, and later served as the third President of the United States. 

A strong advocate for education and the advancement of knowledge, he also founded the University of Virginia and played an important role in the early development of the Library of Congress, the statement said.

Lara Szypszak, U.S. Fulbright Specialist, was the lead speaker at the event. She explored Thomas Jefferson’s lasting influence on education, institutions and the pursuit of knowledge. She also focused on Jefferson’s role in founding the University of Virginia and his broader contribution to the development of educational and knowledge institutions in the United States. Jefferson’s connection to the Library of Congress was also noted, as the institution’s collection was built in part from his personal collection. 

The presentation further explored how Jefferson’s legacy continues through the role of libraries and archives as institutions that preserve knowledge, make information accessible, and connect people with educational resources.  Szypszak noted that in the United States, libraries have evolved into important community spaces that support learning, discovery, and public access to information. 

Jefferson’s most enduring legacy, it was argued, lies not simply in the institutions he helped establish, but in 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 a discussant, offering her perspectives and bringing a Sri Lankan and contemporary education-policy dimension to the discussion. 

Dr. Gamage synthesised her prior work and experience in the United States, commenting on Jefferson's work and the evolution of universities in the United States in relation to the contemporary situation of universities in Sri Lanka and contemporary challenges in higher education. Drawing on the development of the U.S. research university system, Dr. Gamage noted 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 presentation was followed by an engaging fireside discussion between the two speakers and an open-floor question-and-answer session, offering participants the opportunity to discuss with the speakers the relevance of Jefferson’s ideas to education and institutional development today, the statement said. 

The conversation concluded with reflections on the continuing relevance of Jefferson’s educational philosophy. While acknowledging that his original vision emerged in a very different social and historical context, the speakers agreed that important elements 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 commenced with welcome remarks from Menaka Nayyar, Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy, and Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation, followed by a lecture, discussion and networking.  Representatives of diplomatic missions, think tanks, students and academia from universities and professionals joined the event and actively contributed to the discussion.

The Founding Fathers Lecture series is 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 approaching current shared challenges.