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 Graduate School, in collaboration with Flinders University, Australia and OxfordAQA, presents the eighth International Forum for Teachers (IFT) on Saturday, 25th July 2026 at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This year’s theme, “From Knowing to Being: Preparing for a World Yet to Be Defined,” seeks to explore how education must prepare learners not for fixed outcomes, but for a future that is fluid, unpredictable, and constantly evolving.

IFT 2026 calls for an approach to education that equips students to navigate uncertainty with confidence, think critically in unfamiliar situations, respond to change with resilience, and act with purpose. It encourages educators to move beyond the transfer of knowledge and towards the shaping of learners who can question, explore, adapt, create, and contribute meaningfully to the wider world.

IFT remains a first of its kind initiative, open to all teachers from state, private, and international schools across Sri Lanka and the region. The Forum is driven by a mission to nurture world class educators through global partnerships and shared expertise. It provides a dynamic platform to engage in professional dialogue, exchange pedagogical insights, and reflect on the evolving needs of education in the 21st century.

Theme Overview

As the world continues to change in ways we cannot fully predict, education must help learners become not only knowledgeable, but thoughtful, adaptable, resilient, and purposeful.

The 2026 Forum will focus on how educators can:

• Develop learners who can navigate, not just know – strengthening critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to learn in changing contexts.
• Help students stay in charge in a digital world – promoting ethical, responsible, and mindful use of technology and AI.
• Build resilience for an uncertain world – developing adaptability, perseverance, emotional strength, and the confidence to face change.
• Encourage learners to shape the future – fostering creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to create positive change.

This year’s Forum aims to spark fresh conversations and inspire real world change, helping educators prepare learners to transform uncertainty into opportunity and knowledge into purposeful action.

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Carl Salt, Lecturer and Secondary Course Coordinator, Flinders University – An experienced educator and former senior school leader, Dr. Salt brings strong insight into educational leadership, curriculum development, teacher education, and helping learners stay in charge in a rapidly changing digital world.

Penny Butterworth, Regional Professional Development Manager, Oxford University Press and OxfordAQA – A secondary education specialist and experienced teacher trainer, Penny supports schools globally through professional development in areas including wellbeing, sustainability, and effective teaching practice.

Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, International Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and World Champion of Public Speaking – A globally acclaimed speaker known for his powerful storytelling, Dananjaya will explore how learners can build the confidence and thinking skills needed to navigate uncertainty.

Vidusha Nathavitharana and Shaakya Nathavitharana, Leadership, Learning and Youth Empowerment Practitioners – This father-daughter duo brings together experience in leadership development, communication, workplace readiness, and youth empowerment, offering practical insights on finding one’s path and shaping the future with confidence.

Distinguished Panellists:

Professor Deborah West Vice President and Executive Dean College of Human Sciences & Culture, Flinders University, Australia – with over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, teaching, and research. Her work in student success, social work, learning analytics, and technology-enhanced learning reflects a strong commitment to preparing educators and learners for an evolving future.

Thilanka Abeywardena, Security, Cloud & AI Integrated Marketing Lead – ASEAN, Microsoft– A respected leader in technology, marketing, and women’s economic empowerment, Thilanka brings insight into future-ready leadership, innovation, and growth in a changing world.

Anudi Gunasekara, Miss Sri Lanka 2024 for Miss World and the founder of the Saheli Foundation – An advocate for dignity, equality, and women’s empowerment, Anudi brings a powerful example of how young people can act with purpose, challenge social barriers, and shape a more inclusive future.

Janik Jayasuriya, Founder and Managing Director, Celeste – A young entrepreneur driving innovation in Sri Lanka’s digital retail and logistics sector, Janik brings a perspective on resilience, entrepreneurship, and future-focused leadership.

Damith Wijayathunga, Actor, Model and Television Personality – Known for his versatility and strong screen presence, Damith brings a perspective on creativity, confidence, adaptability, and pursuing diverse passions with purpose.

Details on registration can be obtained by calling 0772256356 / 0779256356 / 0112888288 or by writing to info@ift.lk

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The Annual Conference for School Leaders of The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL), held on 5th and 6th June at Blue Water Hotel, Wadduwa, brought together over 350 school leaders from across the country under the theme “Managing Change in Schools.”

The conference commenced with a warm and colorful welcome for delegates and guest speakers, featuring traditional dancers and the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp. In his opening remarks, Mr. Dayan Fernando, Chairman of TISSL, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in navigating the evolving educational landscape.

The Founder Chairman Dr Harsha Alles provided a brief history of TISSL, reflecting on its journey and contributions to educational leadership. He described the conference as both a celebration of past achievements and a platform for envisioning future progress in the education sector.

The conference was officially inaugurated by the keynote speaker, Dr. Akash Raut, whose inspiring address focused on the moral courage required of leaders when adapting to change. His thought-provoking insights encouraged school leaders to embrace innovation while remaining committed to their core values and responsibilities.

A memorable highlight of the opening evening was the cultural programme presented by students from participating schools. The traditional dance performance by OKI International School, depicting the Sacred Tooth Relic, captivated the audience with its artistic excellence and cultural significance. Equally impressive was the vibrant choir performance by AIS, whose energetic singing provided delightful entertainment for delegates and guests.

The second day of the conference commenced with an insightful presentation by Mr. Vidusha Nathavithana on Managing Stakeholders, an essential aspect of educational leadership in a rapidly changing environment. His session emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, governing bodies, and the wider community to ensure successful school development and change management.

Following this session, the conference adopted a parallel format, with presentations being conducted simultaneously at two separate venues. This arrangement provided delegates with the flexibility to select and attend sessions most relevant to their professional interests and leadership needs. The parallel sessions encouraged greater engagement and enabled participants to benefit from a diverse range of topics and perspectives related to educational leadership and school improvement.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who addressed a wide range of contemporary issues in educational leadership:

• Mr. Dominic Tomalin – Building a Change-Ready School
• Dr. Asoka De Silva – Aligning School Systems with Vision: Curriculum and Assessment
• Ms. Lisa Ripperger – The Leader Within: Personal Resilience and Moral Courage
• Dr. Nagarajan – Integrating Innovation Without Disrupting Learning Outcomes
• Mr. David Harkin – Learning Beyond the Book
• Ms. Sarah Chambers – Winning Hearts Before Policies

Each session offered valuable insights, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to leading schools through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on student learning and well-being.

The conference concluded with a highly engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme, “When Change Gets Hard: What School Leaders Don’t Talk About.” The panel candidly explored the realities, challenges, and complexities faced by school leaders when implementing change, generating meaningful reflection and discussion among participants.

As the conference drew to a close, delegates gathered for tea and networking, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections, and reflect on the knowledge and experiences gained over the two days.

The TISSL Conference 2026 successfully fulfilled its objective of equipping school leaders with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to navigate change effectively. Through insightful presentations, stimulating discussions, and opportunities for collaboration, the conference reinforced the critical role of visionary and resilient leadership in shaping the future of education.

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