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Head’s Office

Central leadership guiding academic strategy, student success, and operational excellence across the school.

Harsha Wijesekera is a dedicated academic with over three decades of diverse teaching experience across primary, secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels in public, semi-government, military, and private institutions.

Currently, she is the Head of the School of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Before taking the position at SLIIT, Harsha was

  • a Senior Lecturer and Higher Degree Research Coordinator at the Postgraduate Institute of English, Open University of Sri Lanka [From May 2013 to March 2024]
  • a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University [From 1 March 2023 to 1 March 2024] engaging with the School of Literature, Language and Linguistics
  • a Senior Lecturer at Sir John Kotelawala Defence University [From Dec 2010 to May 2013]

Additionally, she was involved as

  • Visiting Faculty at the National Institute of Business Management
  • Edexcel Teacher Trainer
  • English and English Literature teacher at various schools including Royal    College Colombo and D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo

Harsha is dedicated to facilitating transformative learning. Her research interests encompass the medium of instruction, sociology of education, language and ethnicity, social cohesion, applied linguistics/sociolinguistics, curriculum development, and continuing professional development. Her most outstanding contribution to Sri Lanka is conceptualization, desing and implementation of the first-ever Postgraduate Diploma in Bilingual (English Medium Instruction) in Eduation. Recognizing the value of this postgraduate qualification, the Ministry of Education sponsor 50 tuition scholarships for teachers and teacher educators to enrol in this program at the Postgraduate Institute of English, Sri Lanka. 

Dr. Harsha Wijesekera

Acting Head

    • PhD. / Faculty of Education / Queensland University of Technology, Australia [Received the Outstanding Thesis Award]
    • Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language [TESL] / Postgraduate Institute of English
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Education (TESL) / University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (Awarded for High Standard of Excellence)
    • Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations (Merit) / Bandaranaike Center for International Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka
    • Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and English Language Teaching (Second Upper) / Open University of Sri Lanka
    • Critical Thinking in Language Learning and Teaching / University of Oregon, USA
    • Certificate in Senior Teachers in Higher Education / Center for Staff Development, OUSL
    • Online Course Design & Development / Open University of Sri Lanka
    • Professional In-Service Teacher Training
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Message from the Head

Welcome to the School of Education at SLIIT.

Education is one of the most powerful forces for transforming individuals, communities, and society. At the School of Education, we are committed to preparing reflective, innovative, and ethically grounded educators and educational leaders who are equipped to inspire learning and respond confidently to the opportunities and challenges of an ever-evolving world.

Our School offers four Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree programmes specialising in Biological Sciences, English, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences. These programmes incorporate a Postgraduate Diploma in Education qualification, which may provide graduates with eligibility for a higher salary scale in accordance with relevant recruitment policies and regulations. We also offer Postgraduate Diploma in Education programmes available in both English and Sinhala media. In collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, SLIIT, we offer the Master of Education programme at SLQF Levels 9 and 10 in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, providing progressive pathways for aspiring teachers, experienced educators, and educational leaders.

Across all our programmes, we combine strong theoretical foundations with authentic professional practice, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional values required for contemporary education. Through research-informed teaching, school-based learning experiences, and engagement with emerging educational trends, we nurture graduates who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and catalysts for positive change. Our curriculum places particular emphasis on learner-centred pedagogy, inclusive education, educational leadership, digital innovation, assessment, and the meaningful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into teaching and learning. These areas reflect our commitment to preparing graduates who can lead educational transformation in diverse contexts.

The School is supported by a dedicated team of highly qualified academics and experienced educators actively engaged in research, curriculum innovation, and professional service. Strong partnerships with schools, educational institutions, and professional stakeholders ensure that our programmes remain relevant, future-focused, and responsive to the changing needs of education. Beyond academic excellence, we foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to question, collaborate, innovate, and grow both professionally and personally. We believe that exceptional educators are not only knowledgeable practitioners but also compassionate leaders who create a lasting positive impact in the lives of others.

Whether you aspire to become a teacher, educational leader, researcher, or education specialist, the School of Education offers an inspiring environment in which you can realise your potential and contribute meaningfully to the future of education.

We warmly invite you to join us on this journey of learning, discovery, and transformation as we shape the educators and educational leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Harsha Dulari Wijesekera
Head, School of Education
Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT)

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