29 Sep 2025
Cambridge has reaffirmed its commitment to learners and educators in Sri Lanka, announcing a stronger regional presence and establishing a legal entity to enable closer collaboration with schools and partners.
The announcement was made at a special event in Colombo on 16 September – ‘Cambridge in Sri Lanka: Leading the future’ – where over 300 participants gathered to mark a new era. Cambridge’s global and regional leadership attended, including Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, South Asia, and Zahara Ansary, Country Head, Sri Lanka & the Maldives, alongside Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
“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
At the event, Rod Smith also discussed the publication of a major new Cambridge report – Preparing learners to thrive in a changing world – which captures the voices of almost 7000 teachers and students in 150 countries. It examines how they are experiencing education today and the skills and attributes they think are important for a future being shaped rapidly by technological advance, climate pressures, and shifting global dynamics. Participants heard how the research is informing new developments at Cambridge to help students face the future with confidence.
Strengthening Sri Lankan education
Cambridge has recently achieved a significant milestone of over 1000 Cambridge International Schools across South Asia, with Sri Lanka established as a key region. During his visit, Rod Smith also met the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Minister of Education, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, to discuss strengthening Sri Lankan education and upskilling students with international education and English language skills.
Left to right: Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, South Asia, Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Minister of Education, and Zahara Ansary, Country Head, Sri Lanka & the Maldives.
Cambridge plans to support schools to develop future-ready learners by building teacher capacity and enhancing classroom outcomes through professional development qualifications and workshops.
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.