The International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL) convened its 11th annual conference at the resplendent Blue Waters, Wadduwa on 5th and 6th June 2026, under the compelling theme “Managing Change in Schools”. What unfolded was not merely a gathering of school leaders and educators, but a profound dialogue on resilience, vision and the moral courage required to steer institutions through the complexities of modern education.
The inaugural day was steeped in symbolism and ceremony. Delegates arrived to a warm welcome, culminating in the traditional lighting of the oil lamp – a gesture that underscored continuity amidst change. The Chairman Mr. Dayan Fernando and Founder Chairman Dr. Harsha Alles of TISSL offered addresses that framed the conference as both a celebration of past achievements and a clarion call for future innovation. Cultural performances by the OKI International School, Wattala dance troupe and the Asian International School choir lent vibrancy, reminding participants that education is as much about nurturing identity as it is about imparting knowledge. The evening’s centrepiece was the Keynote Address by Dr. Akash Raut, whose eloquence and conviction challenged leaders to embrace reflective practice and moral courage as indispensable tools in navigating uncertainty. His words resonated as a manifesto for leadership in times of flux.
The second day unfolded as a rigorous exploration of the practical and philosophical dimensions of change. Sessions ranged from building a change‑ready school culture by Dominic Tomalin and aligning systems with vision Dr. Asoka De Silva, to personal resilience and moral courage by Lisa Ripperger and integrating innovation without disrupting outcomes Dr. N. Nagarajan. Later, David Harkin’s reflections on learning beyond the book and Sarah Chambers’ emphasis on winning hearts before policies reminded delegates that transformation is not merely structural but deeply human. Ice‑breakers punctuated the day, ensuring energy and collegiality remained high. The panel discussion, “When Change Gets Hard: What School Leaders Don’t Talk About”, was striking in its candour, offering a rare glimpse into the unspoken burdens of leadership.
The conference concluded with an evening of networking, but its true legacy lies in the collective resolve it inspired. By foregrounding resilience, vision and human connection, the 11th TISSL Conference has set a benchmark for how Sri Lankan schools might navigate the turbulence of the future. It affirmed that change, though daunting, can be harnessed as a catalyst for equity, innovation and global‑mindedness. For the nation’s school community, Wadduwa was not simply a venue, it was a crucible where the future of education was imagined anew.
