In a country where the cost of education often limits access to opportunity, Jerad Milvin has committed his life to changing that narrative. As Chairman and Director of the Royal Academy of Professional Studies, he is leading an institution dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education that serves students across Sri Lanka—regardless of their financial background. His journey with the Academy is not just about academic achievement but about honoring a legacy and ensuring that education remains a tool for social change.
Jerad’s connection to the Royal Academy is deeply personal. The Academy was founded by his elder brother, Susai Yesuraja Benelldus, who saw firsthand how many talented students in Sri Lanka had to abandon their dreams of higher education due to financial constraints. Growing up in Sri Lanka, the brothers recognized how the education system often excluded deserving students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, from pursuing their academic aspirations.
“My brother believed that quality education should not be limited by one’s financial capacity,” says Jerad. “Education is the most powerful tool for change, and it was his dream to make it accessible to every student, regardless of their economic status.”
When Benelldus passed away, Jerad faced the difficult but determined decision to carry on his brother’s vision. He didn’t just want to continue running the Academy—he wanted to build upon it, expand it, and fulfill the dream his brother started. “If my brother could lay the foundation, why couldn’t I take it further?” Jerad asks. This simple yet profound question became the driving force behind the Royal Academy’s future.
Jerad’s leadership at the Royal Academy has been characterized by bold decisions aimed at ensuring that high-quality education is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. One of his first major decisions was to offer affordable education, a move that goes against the grain of traditional higher education in Sri Lanka, where education often comes at a steep price. He knew the risks involved—financially, reputationally, and operationally—but he was determined to follow his brother’s vision and give students the opportunity to access education without being financially burdened.
The affordability model has had an immense impact, allowing hundreds of students to pursue degrees, diplomas, and certifications they otherwise couldn’t afford. “The decision was not just a financial one; it was a societal decision,” Jerad explains. “It was about creating opportunities for talented individuals who otherwise might not have the chance to pursue their dreams.”
But affordability wasn’t the only hurdle to overcome. Jerad recognized that the traditional education system in Sri Lanka had long been focused on rote memorization and theoretical knowledge. He knew that to truly equip students for the future, the Academy needed to challenge this status quo by focusing not only on academic achievement but also on practical skills and industry readiness.
The challenge was not only about making education affordable—it was also about ensuring that students received a relevant, high-quality education. Jerad’s leadership at the Academy has been defined by his ability to challenge conventional norms in the Sri Lankan education system. The typical Sri Lankan educational experience had long been rooted in traditional classroom settings and an over-reliance on theoretical instruction, leaving little room for practical skills, creativity, or real-world application. He knew the future of education had to be different. “We needed to rethink the way we deliver education. It had to be more accessible, flexible, and focused on the future,” he says.
With this vision in mind, Jerad made the bold decision to embrace technology and shift toward online learning. At a time when online education was still in its infancy in Sri Lanka, many institutions remained hesitant to make the leap. However, he understood that online learning was key to breaking down the barriers of geography and accessibility, especially for students in rural areas who had limited access to physical classrooms.
“We invested in creating a world-class Learning Management System (LMS) that allowed students to access lectures, materials, and recordings at their convenience,” Jerad explains. This online platform made education more flexible, allowing students from all corners of Sri Lanka to pursue their studies without being constrained by location or time.
In addition to this technological leap, he also sought partnerships with top-tier government university professors, who helped develop the Academy’s curriculum and ensured that it adhered to the Sri Lankan Qualification Framework (SLQF). This was essential to maintain the academic rigor and credibility of the Academy’s programs.
Moreover, Jerad emphasized English language proficiency, addressing the common apprehension many Sri Lankan students feel about pursuing education in English. By offering additional language support and making English language learning less intimidating, he ensured that students were equipped to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.
While Jerad’s decision to offer affordable education was a transformative one, it was not without its challenges. Many questioned how the Academy could maintain high educational standards while keeping costs low. The risk of compromising quality in the pursuit of accessibility was a significant concern. However, Jerad stood firm in his belief that quality education does not need to come with a hefty price tag.
“The greatest risk was not just financial, but also reputational,” he admits. “We had to prove that affordability didn’t mean compromise. We had to show that we could offer high-quality education at a low cost without sacrificing academic rigor.”
To ensure that students received the best possible education, Jerad introduced a variety of programs that emphasized practical skills and real-world experience. “We wanted our students to not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the skills they would need to succeed in the workforce,” he says. “We introduced internships, industry collaborations, and practical assignments to ensure that students were job-ready when they graduated.”
Another key risk he took was focusing on student retention. While enrollment numbers are important, he recognized that true success lay in the Academy’s ability to support students through their educational journey. To achieve this, he implemented mentorship programs, created tailored motivational strategies, and provided ongoing academic and emotional support to ensure that students remained committed to their studies and successfully completed their programs.
As the Royal Academy grew, Jerad understood that success wasn’t just about the number of students enrolled—it was about the impact the Academy had on the lives of its students. “The true measure of our success lies in the achievements of our alumni,” he says.
In 2024 alone, over 5,000 students enrolled in the Academy’s various programs. But Jerad looks beyond enrollment numbers. He tracks graduation rates, employment outcomes, and the stories of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in their careers and communities. “We’re not just creating graduates; we’re creating leaders who will drive change in Sri Lanka,” he emphasizes.
The Royal Academy’s success is evident not only in the number of students it serves but also in the tangible outcomes it produces. Jerad has created a sustainable, impactful educational model that is transforming the lives of students across Sri Lanka.
As he reflects on the journey so far, he remains committed to the Academy’s founding mission. “Our vision is about more than just education. It’s about giving students the tools to shape their own futures and contribute to the development of Sri Lanka,” he says.
The Royal Academy of Professional Studies stands as a testament to Jerad’s bold vision, leadership, and dedication to providing education that transcends financial barriers. By challenging the status quo, embracing technology, and ensuring that students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, he is not only changing the educational landscape of Sri Lanka—he’s helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the entire nation.
For Jerad, the journey is far from over. He remains steadfast in his mission to continue his brother’s legacy and make education a powerful tool for social change, providing every student with the opportunity to build a better tomorrow.