Certificate Awarding Ceremony and Professional Networking Event for the 28th Batch of the Staff Development Program 2026
Certificate Awarding Ceremony and Professional Networking Event for the 28th Batch of the Staff Development Program 2026
RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
(RCSoTL) 2026
The Staff Development Centre (SDC) of the University of Kelaniya will commence the 28th cycle of its “Induction Programme for Academic Staff Members of Sri Lankan Universities” in 2026.
The induction program is open to all probationary lecturers in Sri Lankan universities and academics from other educational institutes in Sri Lanka. The successful completion of the induction program, which is accredited by the University Grants Commission, fulfills the requirements for newly recruited staff members to successfully complete a staff development programme for purposes of confirmation in their positions as stipulated by the UGC. A large number of probationary lecturers from other universities
and higher educational institutes have successfully completed this program in the past years.
Participants may register either for the entire program or selected segments of the program. The Staff Development Centre of the University of Kelaniya is the first SDC to obtain the ISO 9001-2015 accreditation from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution.
The Staff Development Centre (SDC) of the University of Kelaniya will commence the 28th cycle of its “Induction Programme for Academic Staff Members of Sri Lankan Universities” in 2026.
The induction program is open to all probationary lecturers in Sri Lankan universities and academics from other educational institutes in Sri Lanka. The successful completion of the induction program, which is accredited by the University Grants Commission, fulfills the requirements for newly recruited staff members to successfully complete a staff development programme for purposes of confirmation in their positions as stipulated by the UGC. A large number of probationary lecturers from other universities
and higher educational institutes have successfully completed this program in the past years.
Participants may register either for the entire program or selected segments of the program. The Staff Development Centre of the University of Kelaniya is the first SDC to obtain the ISO 9001-2015 accreditation from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution.
Further details can be obtained by contacting the SDC via
Email: sdc@kln.ac.lk
Telephone: 0112 908 783
The Staff Development Center (SDC) of the University of Kelaniya is established to promote and support academic and administrative work that enhances individual and institutional capabilities of the staff within the higher education system in Sri Lanka. By providing appropriate training programs, the SDC supports the development of skills and competencies necessary to function effectively in a professional academic environment within the university system. The objectives of the SDC include the enhancement of competencies of academic/administrative staff members in the areas of teaching, assessment, research, curriculum development, the use of information and communication technologies, administration and management. The flagship programme of the SDC of the University of Kelaniya is the Staff Development Programme for Probationary Lecturers (Induction Programme) that it conducts for newly recruited probationary lecturers to universities and higher education institutes (HEI) in Sri Lanka. Since inception in 1998, the SDC has successfully conducted 25 cycles of the Staff Development Programme for probationary lecturers. The SDC also provides advisory services to other educational institutions. With the university's commitment to providing opportunities and encouraging staff to excel, programmes offered by the SDC assist members employed in the university system achieve their full potential. The SDC is responsible for several staff development programmes conducted in each faculty of the university including the development of academic skills, English skills and related training programmes. These programmes are conducted by the Faculty Staff Development Units (FSDUs). The main SDC co-ordinates the staff training activities conducted by the FSDUs. The SDC website details the range of services that are on offer in support of staff development in the University of Kelaniya.
"To foster an academic and administrative environment
that enhances individual and institutional capabilities
of the staff within the higher education system
in Sri Lanka."
"To become the center of excellence in enhancing knowledge,
skills and attitudes of stakeholders of the Sri Lankan higher
education sector by providing professional development
opportunities and resources to meet the evolving needs
of Sri Lankan higher education institutions."
To provide appropriate in-service training programmes in
a. Staff Development
b. Educational Technology and
c. e-learning
in order to enhance the competencies of staff members in the areas of teaching, assessment, research, curriculum development, the use of information and communication technologies, administration and management.
To provide need-based in-service staff development programmes in educational theory and technology, research, and professionalism,
To engage in continuous improvement of human resource capacity of the higher education institutions.
To enhance allegiance, commitment and loyalty of the staff towards the higher education institutions.
To inculcate core competencies in knowledge, skills and attitudes among the staff of all categories to be professionals in their practice.
A Journey of Learning, Reflection, and Professional Growth
Dr. N. D. Aluthge
Senior Lecturer (Grade I), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science
University of Kelaniya.
ndaluth251@kln.ac.lk
The Staff Development Programme for Probationary Lecturers conducted by the SDC of the University of Kelaniya was a valuable and enriching experience. As an academic who is new to the Sri Lankan academic establishment, this course provided useful knowledge, skills, and insights to enhance professional development and teaching effectiveness in the context of Sri Lankan higher education institutions (HEIs). The program was well organized by the Director and the other SDC staff members and covered important aspects of university teaching, learning, assessment, academic, and administrative responsibilities. The resource persons invited to conduct the sessions were competent and respected individuals in their areas of expertise. This programme also provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from fellow academics.
L.R.M.A.U.S. Bandara
Lecturer (Probationary),Department of Commerce and Financial Management
Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies,
University of Kelaniya
lrmau241@kln.ac.lk
Participating in the Staff Development Program for Probationary Lecturers (Cycle 28) at the Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, has been a transformative milestone in my academic journey. The program provided an inspiring environment to reflect, collaborate, and adopt learner-centered, innovative, and research-informed teaching practices while strengthening my expertise in pedagogy, assessment, curriculum design, and educational technologies.
A major highlight of this journey was translating these learning experiences into academic achievements, earning both the Best Research Paper Award at RCSoTL 2026 for my study, "From Teaching Entrepreneurship to Building Entrepreneurial Capability: A Design Creativity Framework for Higher Education," and the Best Portfolio Content Presenter Award of Cycle 28.
Beyond fulfilling a professional requirement, Cycle 28 broadened my academic perspective, built lasting connections, and reinforced my commitment to becoming a reflective and impactful educator. I extend my sincere gratitude to SDC Director Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, the SDC team, Prof. Bandara Wanninayake, Prof. H.A.K.N.S. Surangi, and my fellow Cycle 28 colleagues for their invaluable guidance, encouragement, and support throughout this memorable experience.
Pahalagama Dhammika Thero
Senior Lecturer
Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University,Anuradhapura
pahalagamadhammika@gmail.com
The course I received through the Staff Development Center of the University of Kelaniya was a very successful and very useful experience for my professional life.
In particular,
Leadership and Management: The timely vision, practical guidance, and good coordination of Director Professor Ravi Dissanayake were fundamental to enhancing the quality of the course.
Course Content: A highly organized series of lectures and practical activities enabled the acquisition of a high level of knowledge.
Staff Support: The friendly service provided by the SDC staff, their prompt response to inquiries, and the way the sessions were organized were commendable.
I appreciate the contribution you make to the development of academic and professional skills by organizing such valuable courses, and I sincerely wish you success in all your future endeavors.
Dr. Kalyani Ruwanpathirana
Senior Medical Officer, Head of the Counseling Psychotherapy Unit
NIIBS Campus
kalyaniruwanpathirana@gmail.com
I am very pleased to enrolled on my staff development course at your University. because of the sessions given in the best possible academic way to us by your University such as University teachers’ responsibility Teaching & Learning methods practical application such as practicing Micro teaching session in lecture hall, classroom teaching methods, Assessment & Evaluation. Curriculum design and Revision SWOT analysis and graduate profile, integration of ICT in higher Education – such as practicing LMS & digital tools, personal development, counselling soft skills, research in higher education - such as collecting research proposal/ abstract and conducting conference during the programme. University Administrative and governance procedures and critical assessment of the SDC programme itself.