The very first batch of BA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degree programme celebrated their successful completion of the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) programme in a ceremony held on 12 March 2024 at KDU.

The CELTA Certificate Awarding Ceremony 2024 highlighted the hard work and commitment of the aspiring student teachers. 33 students in Intake 38 received the CELTA certificate out of which 7 students were awarded with B passes.

A panel discussion by Dr Lesley Dick (Head, English Programmes, British Council Sri Lanka), Mrs Hasantha Kuruppu (Deputy Commissioner, Department of Examinations) and Ms Anouk Perera (a CELTA graduate from Intake 38 and currently a teacher at the British Council Colombo) led by Professor Bimali Indrarathne (Department of Languages, KDU) provided insights on the significance of the degree programme and CELTA. The awardees presented their experience in reflective speeches on the TESOL degree, CELTA and associated activities they engaged in during their studies.  Intake 39 and 40 entertained the audience with a drama, a dance and a live music performance. The ceremony also highlighted the 100% employment success of CELTA graduands, out of which 3 work at the British Council, 3 at Cambridge College of British English, 15 at KDU and others in various language institutions and schools.

The chief guest of the event was Major General DCA Wickramasinghe USP USACGSC, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Defence and Administration. Joining him were several distinguished guests, including Mr Orlando Edwards (Country Director – British Council, Sri Lanka), Dr Lesley Dick (Head – English Programmes, British Council, Sri Lanka), Mrs Hasantha Kuruppu (Deputy Commissioner of Examinations, Department of Examinations), Dr Lakshika Liyanage (Dean –  Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities), Colonel USB Rathnayake RWP RSP psc (Dean – Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies), Colonel Thushan Silva (Director – IT) and Lieutenant Colonel Wimansha Abeyawickrama (Head – Department of Languages). Parents of the certificate awardees were also present.