Launches major new report titled ‘Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world
Cambridge University Press & Assessment has reaffirmed its commitment to learners and educators in Sri Lanka, announcing a stronger regional presence and a renewed strategic focus as part of its long-term vision for the country’s education landscape. By establishing a legal entity in Sri Lanka, Cambridge signals its long-term investment and enables closer collaboration with schools and partner institutions to address local needs.
The announcement was marked by the presence of Cambridge’s global and regional leadership, including, Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, and Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, South Asia, alongside Zahara Ansary, Country Head, Sri Lanka & the Maldives. The presence of these distinguished guests highlights the importance that Cambridge places on Sri Lanka within its international network.
“This milestone event marks Cambridge’s commitment to delivering high-quality teaching, learning and assessment in Sri Lanka, with a strong focus on building a robust learning ecosystem that empowers learners to succeed both locally and internationally,” said Arun Rajamani, Managing Director for South Asia at Cambridge.
“Sri Lanka is home to a vibrant and fast-evolving education community. This renewed commitment is a promise – to stand alongside Sri Lanka’s schools, educators, and families, and to ensure every learner has access to the best education pathways the world can offer,” said Zahara Ansary, Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Empowering learners with international education
Cambridge has achieved a significant milestone of over 1,000 Cambridge International Schools across South Asia, with Sri Lanka established as a key regionfor its international education offerings.
During the event ‘Cambridge in Sri Lanka: Leading the Future’ on 16th September 2025 in Colombo, Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education, discussed the publication of a major new report – Preparing Learners to Thrive in a Changing World. Drawing on responses from 3,201 teachers and 3,840 students worldwide, the report examines how they are experiencing education today and the skills and attributes they think are important in the future. Both learners and teachers recognize the potential of digital technologies to enhance learning, while also highlighting the need to strengthen self-management and communication skills to help students navigate change. Enhancing Professional Development and Supporting Schools for Global Readiness
Cambridge is responding with a multi-pronged strategy to build teacher capacity and enhance classroom outcomes with its Professional Development Qualifications (PDQs) and Professional Development Programmes (PDPs), along with workshops to upskill teachers.
The training programmes focus on inclusive, learner-centred pedagogy, the effective use of technology and AI in classrooms and holistic development—including student well-being, leadership, and social-emotional learning. By equipping educators with these tools, Cambridge aims to build a resilient and future-ready teaching workforce that can transform learning outcomes across the country.
Expanding access to English as a skills
In addition to its curriculum and qualifications, Cambridge English has seen significant uptake in Sri Lanka, with over 40,000 learners sitting for examinations every year. These are now accessible through more than 250 registration centres across the country, including in smaller towns and rural areas, helping learners demonstrate English proficiency for academic and career advancement. Globally, over 5 million Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQs) are taken annually across 130 countries and are recognised by over 25,000 universities, employers, and government bodies. CEQs are designed to build lasting skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, making them a lifelong asset for learners.
Linguaskill, Cambridge’s flexible, AI-driven online English test, complements this by providing quick and reliable results aligned to the CEFR framework. Trusted worldwide, it offers Sri Lankan institutions and organisations a modern, adaptive tool for recruitment, admissions, and training.
Together, these assessments focus on developing confident communicators, critical thinkers, and individuals ready to succeed in both local and global contexts
Innovating for regional needs
Recognising the evolving aspirations of Sri Lankan families, Cambridge has invested in local talent by establishing a dedicated country team. As it expands its footprint in South Asia, Cambridge remains committed to supporting holistic development, lifelong learning, and global readiness among learners. Through innovative programmes, rigorous assessments, and tailored resources, Cambridge continues to introduce initiatives designed around the priorities of Sri Lanka’s learners and educators, building pathways that meet both local and global expectations.
With renewed investment, Cambridge aims to expand its reach in Sri Lanka by supporting learners, empowering educators, and working with policymakers to strengthen a globally competitive education system.
Through its legacy, reputation, and growing local presence, Cambridge University Press & Assessment reaffirms its role as a trusted education partner for Sri Lanka.
About Cambridge
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a world leader in assessment, education, research and academic publishing. We are part of the University of Cambridge and share its mission ‘to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence’. This connection gives us an unrivalled depth of experience in research, international education, English language learning and academic publishing.
Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org
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Image Caption: Group Managing Director (Cambridge International Education) addressing the gathering at ‘Cambridge in Sri Lanka: Leading the Future’