Strengthening Capacities of Policymakers and Teachers for Inclusive Education in Sri Lanka
On 16 October 2024, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education (MOE) and the ChangeInkk Foundation, India, organised a webinar on ‘Building Capacities of Policymakers and Teachers on Inclusion of Children with Learning Disabilities in Schools in Sri Lanka’. The event aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance support for students with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities (SLDs), promoting a more inclusive education system.
In his welcome remarks, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, highlighted Sri Lanka's inclusive education plan (2019-2030), which focuses on accessibility, inclusive curricula, and teacher training. He posited that despite significant progress, challenges are apparent in areas like infrastructure and teacher preparedness, which are also corroborated by academic research in Sri Lanka. Dr Shadrach stressed the need for technological tools, teacher training, and continued collaboration to advance education for students with SLDs.
Dr R.M.J.C. Kumara, Director, MOE, Sri Lanka, outlined the country's inclusive education strategy, which focuses on vulnerable children and those with disabilities. He detailed several initiatives, including raising the mandatory education age to 16 and introducing inclusive education coordinators in all schools. A new assessment system has been implemented to identify children with special needs, and special accommodations for students with disabilities are being made for national exams. Future plans include finalising guidelines for supporting dyslexic students and expanding teacher training.
The webinar was ably supported by presentations on SLDs made by Ms Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Trustee, ChangeInkk Foundation, India, and Dr Geet Oberoi, Resource Person, India. Ms. Jhunjhunwala emphasised the importance of early identification and support for students with various forms of SLD. She noted that 20 percent of the global population is affected by SLDs, and despite the challenges, these individuals often excel in fields like entrepreneurship and invention. She urged schools and governments to integrate assistive technology and training to better support students, helping them develop the skills needed for a future-ready workforce.
Dr Geet Oberoi highlighted the role of teachers in identifying SLDs, noting that these conditions are neurological and not related to intelligence. Teachers can spot early signs and ensure students receive tailored learning approaches. She also distinguished SLDs from other academic challenges caused by emotional or environmental factors, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
The webinar was moderated by Ms. Nabeela Ata, Consultant, COL-CEMCA, and approximately 250 teachers from Sri Lankan schools registered for the webinar. Policymakers from Sri Lanka expressed interest in the tools developed by Indian government agencies and organisations, which could be adapted for use in Sri Lanka. Experts recommended piloting these existing tools which could help them in preparing teacher checklists, and conducting IQ tests, and SLD assessments. Additionally, training resources, such as a course on learning disabilities, are available to support educators, which can be adapted and translated into Sinhala. Dr Neel Wathukarawatta, Director of Foreign Services, MOE, Sri Lanka, gave the vote of thanks.
