We are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with the Post Graduate Institute of English (PGIE) at the Open University of Sri Lanka – the main state institution in Sri Lanka dedicated to the teaching of English. Together, with the generous support of HSBC Sri Lanka, we are launching the Skills Enhancement of Rural English Language Teachers in Sri Lanka (SERELT) project!

The agreement was signed on Thursday, January 30, 2025, by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Director General of the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning, and Dr. Romola Rassool (PhD), Director of PGIE, OUSL.

This transformative initiative will begin in four districts – Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Monaragala, and Vavuniya – directly benefiting 160 English Language Teachers. With the support of the Ministry of Education, we aim to create a lasting impact on education in rural communities across Sri Lanka.

The project’s curriculum is designed to empower teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s classrooms. It includes the Cambridge Teacher Knowledge Test (TKT), Social and Emotional Learning, and 21st Century Skills. As part of this project, 50 teachers will receive scholarships to complete the Cambridge TKT 1, made possible by the generous support of HSBC Sri Lanka. PGIE (OUSL) will lead the curriculum development and training efforts, ensuring high-quality education for all participants.

By empowering these 160 teachers, we’re reaching out to nearly 8,000 students across these districts, helping them build a brighter, more promising future.

At Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning, we’re proud to partner with PGIE, OUSL in this remarkable journey. This project is a meaningful contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning for all. We are excited to be part of this change and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on both teachers and students in these rural communities.

Our special thanks to Jerome Cooray, Consultant, Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning and the entire PGIE team for making this a reality on the ground.

Together, we are building a sustainable, empowered future for education in Sri Lanka!