The launch ceremony took place at HSBC’s Head Office in Colombo and was attended by key dignitaries including Ms. Nimali Baduraliya, Director of English and Foreign Languages of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Indumini Dharshika, Deputy Director of Education of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Romola Rassool, Director of PGIE, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and Director General of SIHL, Mr. Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Ms. Dilini Fernando, Head of Sustainability at HSBC Sri Lanka.
Developed under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Education, SERELT is set to enhance the pedagogical skills of 160 rural English language teachers across four districts : Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Monaragala, and Vavuniya.
The initiative is expected to indirectly benefit over 8,000 students, contributing to long-term improvements in English language proficiency and educational outcomes in these regions.
The SERELT curriculum integrates internationally recognized training components, including the Cambridge Teacher Knowledge Test (TKT), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and 21st Century Teaching Skills.
These modules are designed to holistically develop educators' knowledge, mindset, and teaching effectiveness.
Additionally, 50 teachers will receive scholarships to complete the Cambridge TKT Module 1 certification.
The PGIE will lead curriculum development and deliver capacity-building workshops to ensure pedagogical excellence and contextual relevance throughout the program.
This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
HSBC’s support for SERELT reinforces its longstanding commitment to social responsibility and inclusive development.
Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka, stated “We are proud to partner with Sarvodaya and PGIE on the SERELT initiative.
At HSBC, we believe education and communication are the foundations for sustainable growth.
By investing in the development of teachers supporting spoken English, especially in underserved rural areas in Sri Lanka, we are confident that we will be able to help unlock the employability potential for thousands of students and support a more inclusive future.”
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, Director General of SIHL and President of Sarvodaya, remarked:
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in improving the quality of education in rural areas.
Empowering teachers with practical and emotional intelligence-based tools will create lasting impact in their classrooms and in students’ lives”
The event also provided an opportunity for Dr. Romola Rassool and members of the PGIE team to share insights into the curriculum and project's design, implementation, and alignment with national educational priorities.
The discussions underscored the importance of investing in teacher capacity as a cornerstone of educational reform.
HSBC Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting high-impact educational initiatives that foster equity and inclusion.
SERELT represents a critical step in HSBC’s broader vision to contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s social and economic development through education.
Photo caption : L to R - Ms. Indumini Dharshika, Deputy Director of Education, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement and Director General of SIHL, Dr. Romola Rassool, Director of PGIE, Ms. Nimali Baduraliya, Director of English and Foreign Languages at the Ministry of Education and Mr. Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka.