"Sixer of Scandal: Hayeshika’s Grand Entrance Sparks Police Probe

 

Police investigate viral parade involving police escort, luxury vehicle, and a helicopter flower shower

 What was billed as a grand celebration of student success has now erupted into a full-blown public controversy, with the Sri Lanka Police launching an official investigation into the actions of a private tuition teacher — now known as "Doctor" Hayeshika Pranandu — who allegedly used state resources, including police vehicles, for a personal event.

The spectacle, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on April 17, was streamed live and showcased a flamboyant entrance featuring police motorbike outriders, an escort vehicle, a luxury Range Rover, and even a helicopter that showered petals as part of the event.

Tuition Fame Meets Public Backlash

Hayeshika, who runs private scholarship classes for Grade 5 students and has built a significant brand through aggressive advertising, social media influence, and televised promotions, has become a household name in Sri Lanka’s education circuit. However, this latest incident has shifted public sentiment.

The public display — with unmistakable state involvement — has raised questions about the misuse of public resources and preferential treatment afforded to private individuals.

Senior Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. “Police assets cannot be used for private purposes, even if payment is made. This case raises serious questions, and we are probing how these permissions were granted,” he stated.

A Celebration Turned Crisis

Titled “Sri Lanka’s Largest Grade 5 Scholarship Award Ceremony,” the event saw students from across the island arriving to receive prizes and certificates from Hayeshika’s institute. Among the performances and glitz was a special recognition moment for a young girl from Embilipitiya who sang the now-viral song Lassana Light Dama — and received a cash prize of Rs. 100,000.

Social media exploded soon after the live broadcast, with footage showing Hayeshika arriving with what appeared to be an official police convoy. Outrage grew after it emerged that a helicopter was used to drop flowers — all orchestrated to build her personal image and promote her classes.

Who Is Hayeshika Pranandu?

Hayeshika Pranandu, formerly a regular tuition teacher, has gained nationwide fame through her online and televised campaigns promising high performance in the Grade 5 scholarship exam. In 2024, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by a little-known private university — APLA — at a business awards ceremony reportedly attended by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Since then, she has rebranded herself as “Dr. Hayeshika Pranandu” and expanded her education business with thousands of online students and sponsorship deals. She has also made headlines in the past for arriving in a helicopter to her hometown, stating it was her lifelong dream to be welcomed that way.

Treading a Thin Ethical Line

Critics argue that her educational success is increasingly being overshadowed by aggressive self-promotion and spectacle marketing. Last year, Hayeshika faced backlash for publishing the names and marks of top-scoring students from her classes, despite the government’s decision not to release individual rankings to avoid unhealthy competition.

"She's turning Grade 5 scholarship prep into an influencer brand," one educationist remarked. "There’s a fine line between celebrating student achievement and exploiting children’s success for personal gain."

The ethical dilemma grows deeper when state symbols — like police escorts — are involved.

Public Resources, Private Gain?

The Sri Lanka Police has made it clear: public resources are not meant for personal glorification, regardless of public profile or reach. The outrage points to a broader issue: the creeping commodification of education and the blurred lines between public service and private enterprise.

As the investigation continues, what began as a social media “sixer” for Hayeshika could turn into a regulatory curveball. Whether her actions were endorsed, ignored, or simply unchecked — the coming days may reveal more than just one woman’s ambition.