Maris Stella College OBA Hosted Annual College Day Oration on Future-Ready Education Reforms

The Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo hosted its Annual College Day Oration as part of the College Day Celebration with Maris Panorama on Saturday, 6th June at 6.00 p.m. at the Maris Stella College Old Boys’ Association Building, Negombo.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lakshman Nonis, an academic, teacher trainer, author, and education specialist with expertise in science education, teacher development, curriculum development, and education consultancy.

This year’s oration focused on the theme of educational reforms in Sri Lanka and the need to prepare the country’s education curriculum for a futuristic approach.

The discussion highlighted why Sri Lanka’s education system must move beyond traditional classroom practices and embrace a learning model that develops students’ skills, competencies, creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and adaptability.

The concept behind the oration underlined that while the world is rapidly changing, the classroom has remained largely unchanged, with many schools still following outdated teaching methods.

The proposed direction was to shift from memorisation-based education to a skills-based, student-centred learning model that prepares children for the demands of the 21st century.

The concept note also highlighted the need for inquiry-based learning, collaboration, creativity, communication, media and technology literacy, leadership, flexibility, initiative, and productivity as essential elements of modern education.

The event also emphasised the importance of transforming the role of the teacher from a traditional instructor into a facilitator who empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

The need for activity-based classrooms, subject-specific activity rooms, mobile laboratories, and STEAM education was also among the key areas of focus.

Organised by the Maris Stella College Old Boys’ Association, Negombo, the Annual College Day Oration brought together past pupils, educators, professionals, and well-wishers to reflect on the future of education and the role of curriculum reforms in preparing Sri Lankan students for a rapidly changing world.

Photo caption from left to right - Dr. Lakshman Nonis – Teacher Trainer, Author, and Education Specialist, Dhammika Fernando – President, Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo and Sudath Fernando – Project Chair, Maris Panorama College Day Oration.