Educators, school leaders and education professionals from across Sri Lanka came together at the BMICH for the International Forum for Teachers (IFT) 2026, exploring how teaching must evolve to prepare young people for a future increasingly shaped by technology, uncertainty and rapid global change.

Held on 25 July under the theme “From Knowing to Being: Preparing for a World Yet to Be Defined,” the flagship annual event organised by Gateway Graduate School focused on moving education beyond the traditional transmission of knowledge towards developing critical thinking, resilience, creativity, sound judgement and a stronger sense of purpose among learners.

The conference brought together educators from national, private and international schools, alongside speakers representing education, technology, leadership, communication, entrepreneurship and professional development. The diversity of expertise enabled participants to examine the future of education from perspectives extending well beyond conventional classroom practice.

World Champion of Public Speaking Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, presenting “Learning to Navigate, Not Just Know,” highlighted the importance of equipping young people with critical thinking and decision-making skills, enabling them to respond confidently to changing circumstances.

Dr. Carl Salt of Flinders University, Australia, addressed the increasingly important relationship between education and technology through his session, “Staying in Charge in a Digital World.” His presentation encouraged educators to consider how technology and artificial intelligence can be used ethically, responsibly and mindfully within learning environments.

Resilience was another central theme of the Forum, with Vidusha Nathavitharana and Shaakya Nathavitharana presenting “Building Resilience for an Uncertain World.” The session explored adaptability, perseverance and emotional strength as essential qualities for navigating change and uncertainty.

Penny Butterworth, Regional Professional Development Manager at Oxford University Press and OxfordAQA, presented “Learning to Shape the Future,” examining how teachers can nurture creativity, innovation and problem-solving while giving young people the confidence to become active contributors to positive change.

A significant highlight of IFT 2026 was the announcement of Gateway’s partnership with Jolly Learning, UK, internationally recognised for Jolly Phonics. The partnership is expected to provide Sri Lankan educators with greater access to established early literacy programmes, teaching resources and professional development opportunities.

The Forum also featured a panel discussion bringing together Professor Deborah West of Flinders University; Thilanka Abeywardena of Microsoft; Anudi Gunasekara, Miss Sri Lanka 2024 for Miss World and Founder of the Saheli Foundation; and Celeste Janik Jayasuriya.

Drawing on experiences spanning education, technology, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, leadership and the arts, the panellists discussed resilience, recognising opportunities, pursuing meaningful career paths and preparing young people to contribute positively to society.

Beyond the presentations, IFT 2026 provided an important meeting point for educators working across different parts of Sri Lanka’s education system. While participants represented diverse teaching environments, the Forum created opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences and reflect collectively on how education can respond to a future that cannot yet be fully predicted.

Participant feedback highlighted the relevance of the presentations, diversity of perspectives and practical insights shared throughout the conference, as well as the opportunity for educators to reflect on their own influence in shaping the lives and futures of young people.

IFT 2026 was supported by sponsors and partners including Flinders University, OxfordAQA, Eduko Pathways, the University of West London and HNB, helping provide participants with access to international perspectives, professional dialogue and learning opportunities.

As the flagship annual event of Gateway Graduate School, the International Forum for Teachers forms part of its wider commitment to strengthening the teaching profession through qualifications, professional development and opportunities for educators to connect and learn from one another.

That journey is set to continue, with the next International Forum for Teachers scheduled for July 2027.

Gateway Graduate School focuses exclusively on qualifications and professional development for educators, offering pathways ranging from certificate and diploma programmes to degree and master’s qualifications.

Educators interested in advancing their qualifications, developing their careers or joining the professional network can contact 077 225 6356 or 077 925 6256 for further information on Gateway Graduate School programmes and IFT 2027.

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Gateway College has taken over ownership of the Regent Country Club in Malabe, in a landmark transaction that will pave the way for the establishment of a new state of the art international school in one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the Greater Colombo region.

Significantly, the transaction takes place at a special milestone in the history of both organisations, as Gateway and Prime Lands, having had humble beginnings three decades ago, celebrate their 30th anniversaries this year. The landmark collaboration marks another important chapter in the growth journeys of two organisations that have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

The transaction follows a decision by the Prime Group to focus on several of its large scale development projects while facilitating the establishment of a high quality international school in an area where the Group has played a significant role in driving residential development.

The picturesque 3.2 acre property is already equipped with a range of well-developed facilities, including a banquet hall, conference rooms, offices, swimming pool, gymnasium and other supporting infrastructure. These facilities will provide a strong foundation for the development of a modern educational environment designed to meet the needs of a growing community.

Sandamini Perera, Co-Founder and Co-Chairperson of Prime Lands (Pvt) Ltd, said that Malabe and its surrounding areas have emerged as some of the fastest-growing regions in Sri Lanka.

“Prime Lands, together with many other developers, has contributed significantly to the transformation of this area into a highly sought-after residential region for the upper middle class segment of Greater Colombo’s urban population. We are delighted to see Gateway College establish its presence here, providing residents in Malabe and the surrounding areas with convenient access to an international school offering education of the highest quality,” she said.

Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of the Gateway Group, expressed his appreciation to the Prime Group for facilitating the transaction and supporting the process through a phased approach that made the acquisition possible.

“We are extremely grateful to the Prime Group for the manner in which they facilitated this entire process. The phased approach adopted by them enabled us to make this landmark transaction a reality,” Dr. Alles said.

He added that the new school would further strengthen the Gateway Group’s growing network of educational institutions, which includes Gateway Colleges in Rajagiriya, Kandy, Negombo, Dehiwala and Ratmalana, as well as Springfield Colleges in Kandy, Borella and Nugegoda.

All Gateway and Springfield schools operate from spacious campuses equipped with modern facilities. In addition, students across the network benefit from shared specialised facilities, including the nine-acre sports ground in Seeduwa, a 50-metre swimming pool in Negombo and a football pitch in Ratmalana.

“With our vision of Energize, Enlighten, Empower, Gateway will continue to strive towards providing a truly global education within a local setting,” Dr. Alles said. “Our objective is to create an environment in which young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence and values they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

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