December 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government is embarking on a comprehensive reform of its teacher training system, with an ambitious plan to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into the country’s education sector.
Backed by a grant from China, the initiative will unify the nation’s 19 existing teacher training colleges into a single, advanced digital network, ultimately forming the Sri Lanka University of Education (SLUE).
SLUE is set to become a key institution in producing highly skilled educators who can lead the transformation of Sri Lanka’s education system in the digital age.
The university’s vision is to establish a “Smart University,” positioning itself as a leader in global education innovation.
This strategic move is aligned with the government’s broader goals of advancing digital transformation across the country’s educational landscape, empowering future teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the modern world.
One of the core objectives of SLUE is to enhance the digital proficiency of educators, equipping them with the skills required to create dynamic, technology-driven classrooms.
The project is expected to have a far-reaching impact on both the Sri Lankan economy and society, cultivating an environment where innovation and adaptability are central to the educational experience.
By fostering digital literacy among teachers, the initiative aims to transform the way education is delivered, making it more accessible, engaging, and relevant to the needs of today’s learners.
The roll-out of the program will be carried out in stages to ensure its successful implementation and integration across the nation’s campuses:
- Pilot Phase: Testing essential systems, including a Learning Management System (LMS) and smart classrooms, to iron out any initial issues.
- Year One: Laying the groundwork for digital infrastructure, including the establishment of high-speed SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) connections and the setup of smart classrooms equipped for distance learning.
- Phase Two: Expanding the use of smart classrooms and centralising distance learning platforms, with a focus on achieving full Wi-Fi coverage across all campuses.
- Phase Three and Four: Further development will see the introduction of biometric access control systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered educational tools to personalise learning experiences and enhance data-driven analysis.
- Final Phases: Continued innovation through global partnerships and research, ensuring SLUE remains at the forefront of educational technology.
The development of SLUE is part of a wider drive to digitise the entire educational system in Sri Lanka. A key component of this transformation is the “Policy for Digital Transformation of Education,” introduced in May 2023.
This policy outlines the government’s commitment to providing both students and educators with essential digital tools and fostering digital literacy at all levels of schooling.
It also prioritises investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and ensuring that all students have access to the necessary devices.
In addition, Sri Lanka has secured further support for its digital education agenda from the Chinese government. In July 2024, China agreed to fund the provision of 1,000 smart boards to be distributed across schools in Sri Lanka.
This generous donation is part of China’s ongoing assistance to Sri Lanka in achieving its digital education goals.
