The Annual Conference for School Leaders of The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL), held on 5th and 6th June at Blue Water Hotel, Wadduwa, brought together over 350 school leaders from across the country under the theme “Managing Change in Schools.”

The conference commenced with a warm and colorful welcome for delegates and guest speakers, featuring traditional dancers and the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp. In his opening remarks, Mr. Dayan Fernando, Chairman of TISSL, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative leadership in navigating the evolving educational landscape.

The Founder Chairman Dr Harsha Alles provided a brief history of TISSL, reflecting on its journey and contributions to educational leadership. He described the conference as both a celebration of past achievements and a platform for envisioning future progress in the education sector.

The conference was officially inaugurated by the keynote speaker, Dr. Akash Raut, whose inspiring address focused on the moral courage required of leaders when adapting to change. His thought-provoking insights encouraged school leaders to embrace innovation while remaining committed to their core values and responsibilities.

A memorable highlight of the opening evening was the cultural programme presented by students from participating schools. The traditional dance performance by OKI InternationalSchool, depicting the Sacred Tooth Relic, captivated the audience with its artistic excellence and cultural significance. Equally impressive was the vibrant choir performance by AIS, whose energetic singing provided delightful entertainment for delegates and guests.

The second day of the conference commenced with an insightful presentation by Mr. Vidusha Nathavithana on Managing Stakeholders, an essential aspect of educational leadership in a rapidly changing environment. His session emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, governing bodies, and the wider community to ensure successful school development and change management.

Following this session, the conference adopted a parallel format, with presentations being conducted simultaneously at two separate venues. This arrangement provided delegates with the flexibility to select and attend sessions most relevant to their professional interests and leadership needs. The parallel sessions encouraged greater engagement and enabled participants to benefit from a diverse range of topics and perspectives related to educational leadership and school improvement.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who addressed a wide range of contemporary issues in educational leadership:

• Mr. Dominic Tomalin – Building a Change-Ready School
• Dr. Asoka De Silva – Aligning School Systems with Vision: Curriculum and Assessment
• Ms. Lisa Ripperger – The Leader Within: Personal Resilience and Moral Courage
• Dr. Nagarajan – Integrating Innovation Without Disrupting Learning Outcomes
• Mr. David Harkin – Learning Beyond the Book
• Ms. Sarah Chambers – Winning Hearts Before Policies

Each session offered valuable insights, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to leading schools through periods of transformation while maintaining a strong focus on student learning and well-being.

The conference concluded with a highly engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme, “When Change Gets Hard: What School Leaders Don’t Talk About.” The panel candidly explored the realities, challenges, and complexities faced by school leaders when implementing change, generating meaningful reflection and discussion among participants.

As the conference drew to a close, delegates gathered for tea and networking, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections, and reflect on the knowledge and experiences gained over the two days.