Platforms like TikTok are redefining the landscape of education globally, leaving little room for debate on their impact. What was once known primarily for viral dances and trends has now quickly evolved into a powerful space for knowledge sharing, with millions of users embracing educational content. The rise of ‘EduTok’—a global phenomenon where creators blend fun and learning—has paved the way for influencers to break through the noise and teach everything from quantum physics to entrepreneurship.
In Sri Lanka, TikTok has become a crucial platform for a new generation eager to learn, with creators like Sanjaya Elvitigala leading the charge by making complex topics accessible, engaging, and downright entertaining. For Sanjaya, a tech-savvy entrepreneur deeply involved in science and startup ecosystems, TikTok offered the perfect stage to share the wealth of knowledge he had accumulated over years of hands-on experience. With a busy schedule that once made sharing his expertise a challenge, TikTok’s simplicity gave him the freedom to connect with an audience at the push of a button. A quick video was all it took to give his followers a bite-sized yet insightful lesson on everything from entrepreneurship to scientific exploration.
What started as a way to share his thoughts has now blossomed into a digital movement, reaching thousands across the island—and beyond.
A Simple Idea, Big Impact
Before TikTok, Sanjaya found himself struggling to find a platform that truly aligned with his goals of sharing entrepreneurial knowledge and scientific insights. As an entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, he’d spent years working in startups and engaging with the next generation of innovators. But there was no easy way to connect with young minds who could benefit from his experience—until TikTok came along.
“I was looking for a platform that would allow me to share my experiences in a straightforward, quick way. TikTok provided exactly that,” says Sanjaya. “I didn’t need a studio setup, and I didn’t need to carve out hours for content creation. With TikTok, I could grab my phone, record a quick snippet, and share my knowledge in under two minutes.”
TikTok’s audience fit Sanjaya’s target demographic perfectly. Youth, eager to consume knowledge in bite-sized, digestible formats, were already there. And Sanjaya quickly realized that he could offer more than just surface-level content. His goal was to deliver something substantial while maintaining the simplicity that TikTok thrives on. “I love that TikTok isn’t about heavy content development. It’s about sharing what you know, in the most authentic, user-friendly way possible,” he explains. “This is why I keep coming back to it. It suits my style perfectly.”
The Power of the Hook
One of the most fascinating aspects of TikTok, for Sanjaya, is its format. Quick, impactful, and direct—TikTok has a way of keeping creators on their toes. And for someone like Sanjaya, whose content revolves around scientific concepts and entrepreneurship, that’s exactly what makes it work.
“It’s all about the hook. You’ve got to grab attention right away. Start with an exciting statement or a question people relate to,” Sanjaya says. “People come to TikTok for a quick fix. If you take too long to get to the point, they’re out. So I make sure to deliver value from the very first second and keep that energy high throughout the video.”
For Sanjaya, this format has made a significant impact, particularly when it comes to engaging his audience with science. Teaching science, especially in Sri Lanka, has traditionally been a slow burn. Few communicators approach the subject in ways that are accessible and attention-grabbing. But Sanjaya is changing that.
Engaging, Educating, and Inspiring
Sanjaya doesn’t just create educational content for fun—he’s creating a movement. Through TikTok, he’s built a solid following that extends beyond mere entertainment. His videos are transforming how students, young professionals, and even aspiring entrepreneurs see the world.
“I’ve had people reach out asking for guidance on their educational journey or seeking advice on how to navigate their career paths. Many of them are in situations where they’re unsure what to do next, whether to pursue science, tech, or business,” Sanjaya explains. “My videos have become a source of information and inspiration, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”
“When I post about entrepreneurship or tech, people get excited. They start asking how they can follow a similar path or what steps they should take to build their own businesses,” Sanjaya says. “TikTok has given me a platform to not only share but to inspire, and that’s priceless.”
The TikTok Effect: Growing a Brand, Growing a Community
Sanjaya’s TikTok content isn’t just for educational purposes—it’s also a powerful tool for growing his brand. As the founder of an educational institute, TikTok has allowed him to build awareness and reach a wider audience than ever before. What started as simple content sharing has turned into something much bigger.
“I use TikTok to share snippets of the activities happening within my educational ecosystem. It’s an easy way to create awareness about what we do, and at times, it even converts into sales or partnerships,” Sanjaya explains. “The platform values good presentation, and I’ve worked hard to refine my skills so I can connect with students and professionals alike. The beauty of TikTok is that it allows you to connect with people from all walks of life.”
Advice for Future Creators
Sanjaya’s advice for anyone looking to dive into TikTok is simple, yet powerful: Be authentic, keep it short, and maintain high energy. TikTok thrives on creators who speak directly to the audience with passion and enthusiasm.
“If you want to succeed on TikTok, you need to speak clearly, quickly, and with energy. Don’t overcomplicate things—keep your content straightforward and to the point,” Sanjaya advises. “TikTok is all about engagement. Use the platform’s tools, but don’t let them distract from the core of your message. Speak passionately, and you’ll keep people coming back for more.”
He also emphasizes the importance of originality. While it’s tempting to repost content from other creators, he stresses that true success comes from creating something unique. “People will appreciate you more if you’re authentic and original. Don’t just repost what others are doing—bring your own perspective to the table,” he says. “That’s what sets you apart in the long run.”
The Future of TikTok and Science Content in Sri Lanka
Sanjaya sees a bright future for science content on TikTok in Sri Lanka. With fewer science communicators using the platform to its full potential, there’s an opportunity for others to join the movement and make a real impact.
“Science content on TikTok in Sri Lanka is still relatively underdeveloped, but I see that changing,” Sanjaya says. “The youth are eager to learn, and if we present information in an engaging and accessible way, we can truly make a difference.”
In his opinion, TikTok’s influence will only continue to grow, especially as more creators use the platform to educate and inspire the next generation. And as for Sanjaya, he’s already planning to expand his reach and continue to use TikTok as a tool for positive change in Sri Lanka.
“I’m just getting started,” he says with a smile. “TikTok is my platform, and I’m ready to keep educating, engaging, and inspiring the youth of Sri Lanka.”
