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In a world where access to quality education often dictates one’s future, Deshani Gamage, the visionary behind Apex Business Academy, has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to transforming lives through education. Growing up in Matara, Deshani witnessed first-hand the struggles students faced in accessing quality education.
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Founder and Managing Director of Apex Business Academy
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We are fortunate to have a team of exceptional lecturers, access to top-tier resources, state-of-the-art facilities like modern classrooms, brainstorming and creative space, computer lab, physical and online libraries, and a dedicated support staff to guide our students on their educational journey.This fuelled her ambition to create a platform that would not only educate but also empower. What began in her home garage has now evolved into a premier institution, revolutionizing education in Sri Lanka’s Southern region. Through Apex, Deshani has provided thousands of students with world-class learning experiences. By providing access to top-tier resources and fostering leadership skills, Apex ensures that its students not only succeed academically but also contribute meaningfully to society.
You’ve brought world-class educational opportunities to children in the Southern region. How does it feel to give hope and redefine possibilities for these young minds?
It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the transformative impact of quality education on young lives. My primary goal has always been to provide the best possible learning experiences for my students. Introducing CIMA qualifications under the Apex brand was a significant challenge, given CIMA’s prestigious reputation and Apex’s established presence in secondary education. However, this ambitious endeavour proved successful. In 2014, our partnership with the British Council as their sole local Sri Lankan partner marked the beginning of a ‘silent social revolution’ in Matara, profoundly impacting the aspirations and life trajectories of many individuals. Our commitment extends beyond academics to encompass holistic development. We actively foster both soft skills and technical expertise by supporting schools and students in various areas, including English language proficiency, sports and extracurricular activities, personal grooming, and career development programs. These initiatives have opened new doors and avenues for countless young people who previously lacked access to such opportunities.
Over the years, Apex has proudly nurtured over 350,000 students across primary, secondary, and professional education levels. The continued success stories of our students serve as a constant source of motivation, driving me and my team to strive for ongoing excellence.
Winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award in the education sector is a remarkable milestone. How does this achievement reflect the ethos and objectives of Apex Business Academy?
This prestigious award is a deeply humbling recognition of the tireless efforts of the entire Apex team. For me personally, it’s a profound validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and our unwavering belief in the transformative power of quality education. At Apex, we’ve always strived to go beyond simply imparting knowledge. We aim to nurture well-rounded individuals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This award signifies that we are on the right track, that our dedication to providing a holistic education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility is making a real difference. Furthermore, this achievement reinforces our core values. We will continue to strive for the highest standards in all aspects of education, ensuring that our students receive the best possible learning experience. We will also continue to embrace innovative teaching methodologies, integrate technology effectively, and adapt to the evolving needs of learners. Our focus will always be on the individual aspirations of each student, creating a supportive and enriching learning environment where they can flourish. This award serves as a powerful motivator, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of educational excellence and redefining the learning experience for future generations. It’s a testament to the belief that through quality education, we can empower young minds to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Apex Business Academy is celebrated for its innovative educational approach.
Could you highlight the academy’s evolution and some key milestones in its journey?
Apex Business Academy has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception in 1997 at my home garage. We began as a secondary education institution and have steadily expanded our offerings to encompass a wide range of internationally recognized qualifications, including CIMA programs introduced in 2011. Our partnership with the British Council in 2014 marked a significant milestone, solidifying our commitment to global standards. Recognizing the evolving needs of learners, we launched Apex Online in 2019, a robust e-learning platform that ensured educational continuity during the pandemic. This proactive step not only proved invaluable during the crisis but also garnered significant recognition, with Apex Online being awarded “Best E-learning Platform” by ICTA in both 2021 and 2022. Innovation has always been at the heart of our approach. Even before the pandemic, we pioneered online learning in 2015 with the launch of Apex Bellcube, demonstrating a commitment to blending modern and traditional teaching methodologies. We prioritize personalized learning, emphasizing one-on-one attention within our classrooms. Furthermore, we offer a unique curriculum that seamlessly integrates academic and personal development programs. We are fortunate to have a team of exceptional lecturers, access to top-tier resources, state-of-the-art facilities like modern classrooms, brainstorming and creative space, computer lab, physical and online libraries, and a dedicated support staff to guide our students on their educational journey. This commitment to quality and innovation has consistently yielded outstanding results for consecutive years.
