Sri Lanka, July 17 -- While Sri Lanka pushes toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, a silent crisis continues to undermine the dreams of millions: the deep-seated fear and inability to speak English confidently.

A popular educator who shares practical English lessons on social media receives hundreds of desperate messages and calls every week in the Sinhala medium as follows. The confessions are painfully similar:

"Sir, I feel shy to speak in English."

"Sir, I'm afraid of making mistakes."

"Sir, I cannot understand when others speak English."

"Sir, I can read and write English, but I cannot understand it when someone speaks fast.

"Sir, I know a little English... but I can't speak."

"Sir, I am a teacher., I could no...