When the Rainbow Institute of Communication opened its doors in 2010, its mission was simple: to help people speak with confidence. Fifteen years later, it has trained thousands of students, professionals, and community leaders, becoming one of the country’s most trusted names in communication, business English, and soft skills training.

This milestone is more than just longevity it is about impact. Across Colombo’s corporate boardrooms, community halls, classrooms, and newsrooms, Rainbow’s influence is evident.

Take 29 year old Anushka Fernando, for instance. She joined Rainbow as a nervous undergraduate who struggled to introduce herself in English. Today, she works at a multinational firm, leading client presentations. “I owe a lot of my confidence to Rainbow,” she says. “The trainers didn’t just teach us English they encouraged us to believe in ourselves.”

It is stories like Anushka’s that reflect Rainbow’s journey. Students who once arrived shy and hesitant have grown into confident speakers. Alumni have gone on to become news anchors, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs. Others simply found the courage to express themselves in meetings, interviews, and everyday life.

For co-founder and Director of Academic Affairs, Mahishka Fernando, the anniversary is a moment of gratitude and reflection.
“We never imagined that what began as a small training initiative would grow into a nationally recognized institute,” she says. “But our vision has always been clear: to give people the tools to communicate, lead, and thrive.”

At the heart of this vision is the institute’s Lead Trainer, Dr. Mahim Mendis eminent academic, respected public intellectual, and a powerful public speaker. His dynamic teaching style and wealth of experience have inspired thousands, strengthening Rainbow’s reputation as the premier institute for communication training.

The last 15 years have not been without challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rainbow Institute made a bold pivot to online training at a time when many organizations were struggling. The gamble paid off. Virtual classrooms attracted participants not only from Sri Lanka but also from overseas. “The pandemic taught us that communication skills are borderless,” Mahishka recalls. Today, students from the Maldives, Korea, Japan, and the Middle East continue to benefit from Rainbow’s programmes.

Rainbow’s work has also gone far beyond corporate training. Over the years, the institute has mentored hundreds of young journalists and civic leaders, particularly during times of political and economic upheaval. Many of them have since become strong voices in their communities, advocating for democracy, transparency, and social justice.

Experts say Rainbow’s success lies in its unique blend of professionalism and relatability. “Rainbow has credibility because it understands the local context,” notes past student Dilani Perera. “It’s not just about textbook English it’s about equipping people to succeed in real workplaces and real conversations.”

Looking ahead, the institute is expanding its reach across the country through partnerships with regional organizations. It has also recently launched its popular Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Programme in Sinhala, offered both online and in-person, making its expertise accessible to wider audiences.

For its alumni, the legacy is already clear. As one graduate summed it up: “Rainbow didn’t just change how I speak. It changed how I see myself.”

And perhaps that is the true achievement of its first 15 years helping people not only to find their voices but also to believe that those voices matter.

Enroll Now and Transform Your Confidence

As Rainbow Institute marks 15 years, it is opening enrollment for its newest batches of flagship programmes for professionals, youth and children

• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills- English Medium
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills – Sinhala Medium
• Effective Speaking in English- Intermediate Level
• Public Speaking with Personality Development and Leadership for Children

Whether you are a professional aiming to stand out, a student preparing for future opportunities, or a parent eager to empower your child, Rainbow Institute offers the expertise, inspiration, and proven results to help you succeed. Fifteen years on, Rainbow remains committed to its founding mission: empowering voices and building confidence.