Colombo, 4 November 2025: Oxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, hosted the Oxford International Programme Leaders Forum in Colombo, bringing together education leaders to explore innovative approaches to global learning.

The symposium introduced participants to the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC) — a comprehensive, future-ready framework that integrates well-being and global skills alongside core academic subjects. Covering early years through lower secondary, the OIC ensures a spiral progression of learning supported by world-class Oxford resources, professional development, and assessments.

The session was led by Dr. Karem Roitman, international development consultant and lead author of the OIC Global Skills Projects; Ms. Silvia Yafai, Senior Curriculum Academic Lead at Oxford University Press, specializing in global learning and transformative education; and Ms. Panchalika Kulatunga, OxfordAQA Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives. Nearly 40 school leaders and educators participated in interactive workshops and collaborative discussions focused on building purposeful, resilient schools in a rapidly changing world. Participants explored leadership competencies in practice, applied systems thinking, and learned how to embed global skills, well-being, and sustainability at the heart of school strategy.

Dr. Karem Roitman shared powerful insights on how educators can actively engage students in developing global skills—critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability—that prepare them for success in an interconnected world. She emphasized practical strategies to integrate these skills into everyday classroom experiences. Meanwhile, Ms. Silvia Yafai highlighted the enduring importance of sustainability education, underscoring how teaching environmental responsibility and ethical decision-making equips learners to think critically and act responsibly for a better future. Together, their sessions reinforced the need for curricula that go beyond academics to nurture well-rounded, socially conscious global citizens.

In a press statement issued by Oxford University Press, Sukanta Das, Managing Director – India, said “At Oxford University Press, we remain committed to empowering educators and advancing learning that shapes tomorrow’s world. The Oxford International Curriculum is designed to help schools deliver a balanced, future-ready education that nurtures both academic excellence and essential life skills.”

Mr. Das added, “We strive to support the advancement of education in Sri Lanka. For over two decades, Oxford University Press has maintained a strong presence in the country, partnering in its educational transformation through strategic collaborations and innovative learning solutions.”

The Oxford International Curriculum is designed to promote well-being, global skills, and sustainability while fostering academic success and lifelong learning. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, Well-being, and Global Skills Projects, ensuring a balanced and future-focused education. Supported by Oxford’s trusted learning materials and educator training, the curriculum equips students with essential knowledge and skills to thrive in an interconnected world.

About Oxford University Press  

Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It further affirms the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP is the world’s largest university press with the widest global presence. It publishes in many countries, in more than 70 languages, and in a variety of formats – print and digital. OUP products cover an extremely broad academic and educational spectrum, and it aims to make content available to users in a format that suits them best. 

For more information, contact:

Panchalika Kulatunga, OxfordAQA Country Director, Sri Lanka and Maldives

E: Panchalika.Kulatunga@oxfordaqa.com | visit: oxfordaqa.com