Training Empowers Sri Lankan Educators to Mainstream Students with Specific Learning Disabilities

A transformative three-day training programme titled “Mainstreaming Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)” was held in Colombo from 21–23 May 2025. Organised by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), the regional centre of Commonwealth of Learning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), Sri Lanka, and ChangeInkk Foundation, the training aimed to build the capacities of educators, school leaders, and policymakers to promote inclusive education practices.

The programme focused on enhancing understanding and institutional readiness to support students with specific learning disabilities. Key objectives included empowering education stakeholders with practical tools and expertise, reviewing the on-ground implementation of inclusive strategies, and fostering dialogue for policy enhancement. The main outcomes of the programme included improved understanding of SLD identification and support strategies, enhanced capacity to create inclusive classrooms, practical tools for educators, and reinforced policy-level commitments.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr Samantha Gunathilaka, Director, Non-formal and Special Education, MOE, Sri Lanka, followed by an inaugural address by Mrs Nilamani Malaviarachchi. In his keynote address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, emphasised Sri Lanka’s strong policy foundation for inclusive education. He highlighted the country’s efforts in mainstreaming, teacher training, curriculum adaptation, and early intervention, while also noting challenges such as limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and the under-recognition of dyslexia. Dr Shadrach called for nationwide programmes for early diagnosis, awareness campaigns, and systematic teacher training. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education and Health ministry to address the needs of children with learning disabilities comprehensively.

The training programme was led by expert facilitators from ChangeInkk Foundation, Ms Noopur Jhunjhunwala and Mr Tapas Ranjan Roy. Seventy-three in-service teachers participated in the first two days of hands-on training on identifying and mainstreaming learners with SLD, which culminated in the distribution of certificates. On the third day, the experts visited local schools to observe inclusive practices in action. These field visits informed a policy consultation with MOE officials, including Mr Gunathilaka, and his team. The consultation focused on system-wide reforms to ensure sustainable, inclusive learning environments for students with SLD.

The event also laid the foundation for long-term partnerships and action plans to mainstream inclusive education across Sri Lanka.