Over 296 high-achieving Sri Lankan students were recognised at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA) ceremony, held at the BMICH, Colombo, celebrating exceptional performance in Cambridge assessments. The prestigious event was graced by Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. This included Top in the World, Top in Sri Lanka, Best Across, and High Achievement Awards, as well as outstanding performances at the Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations for the November 2024 and June 2025 examination series.
As the world’s leading international education provider, Cambridge International Education continues to expand its presence across Sri Lanka, working with a growing network of Cambridge schools that deliver globally benchmarked education within local contexts. As part of a global community of over 10,000 schools across more than 160 countries, Sri Lankan Cambridge schools are firmly connected to an international standard of education that emphasizes quality, consistency, and meaningful learner outcomes. From Early Years, Primary and Lower Secondary to IGCSE/ O Level, AS & A Levels and beyond, parents continue to choose Cambridge qualifications for their global portability, academic rigour, and strong university recognition. The Cambridge Pathway continues to open doors to over 2,500 leading universities worldwide and other world-class institutions, supported by globally consistent assessment standards, research-based teaching methodologies, and a legacy of over 160 years of Cambridge academic excellence.
The event also featured inspiring reflections from distinguished Cambridge alumni, including Dr. Mohamed Faleel Fathima Ashfa, Medical Officer at the District General Hospital, Negombo, and alumna of Ilma International Girls’ School, and Raj Prabu Rajakulendran, Lead Economist at Verité Research and alumnus of the Royal Institute. Their journeys highlighted the lifelong impact of a Cambridge education. Five Sri Lankan students achieved the rare distinction of Top in the World, while 72 students secured Top in Sri Lanka honours. In total, 296 awards were presented, including 149 High Achievement and Best Across awards and recognition of 70 Checkpoint students who achieved a perfect 50/50 at Primary and Lower Secondary levels. These results reflect the nation’s strong academic calibre and its growing presence within the global Cambridge learner community.
Zahara Ansary, Country Head – Sri Lanka & the Maldives, Cambridge International Education, stated:“We are immensely proud of all Sri Lankan learners who have excelled this year. Their achievements reflect the resilience of our schools, the commitment of teachers, and the unwavering trust of parents. Cambridge remains firmly dedicated to supporting Sri Lanka’s education community and expanding our local presence to ensure every learner has access to world-class opportunities.” Sri Lanka’s international school landscape continues to be strongly shaped by Cambridge curriculum delivery, ensuring that local learners receive the same globally trusted assessment experience as students in over 100 countries worldwide.
Sarah Hussain, Principal – Ilma International Girls school: “For the last decade or so, our students have been sitting for Cambridge International exams. I’m extremely happy with the support that we’re receiving from Cambridge. Cambridge prepares our learners for the world.”
“It feels satisfying and feels like my hard work has paid off,” Praveen Charuka Athauda Arachchi, a Cambridge IGCSE™ – Top in Sri Lanka winner from The British School in Colombo, expressed himself.
“We had no second thoughts about selecting Cambridge as the academic stream our son wanted to study,” Prof. Dr. Pandula Athauda Arachchii, a Cambridge parent and a University of Cambridge alumnus shared his thoughts.
“I have been studying the Cambridge curriculum since grade 1,” Sinuri Sesathma Muhandirum, a Cambridge O Level – Top in World winner from Royal Institute, expressed herself.
“I mostly like how the Cambridge curriculum provides a wide variety of subjects with many opportunities for everyone,” Atif Sharaz, a Cambridge IGCSE™ – Top in the World winner from Wycherley International School, Colombo, remarked.
“It opens a lot of doors for the future,” Mr. Sharaz Nawaz, father of Atif Sharaz, reflected, “The long-standing reputation that Cambridge carries for its independent thinking, analytical depth, trust, and recognition gave me the confidence to choose Cambridge.”
“I feel really proud to be a part of this global learning community,” Aamina Irfan, a Cambridge O Level – Top in Sri Lanka winner from Royal Institute International School, voiced her thoughts.
“Everything about the Cambridge curriculum felt special to me,” Tamenza Mutia Johnson, a Cambridge IGCSE™ – High Achievement winner from the British Council, shared her views.
“Cambridge has given us enough time to prepare, and I have developed the skill of scheduling with that,” W. S. Udara Sehan, a Cambridge International AS Level – High Achievement winner from Boswell College International, shared his views.
“I feel honoured and grateful to follow the Cambridge Pathway,” Riadul Islam Bhuiyan, a Cambridge International A Level – Top in Sri Lanka award winner from Nexis College International, added.
The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards stand as a powerful reminder that international education transforms not only individual lives but also nations, as Sri Lanka continues to shine within the global Cambridge community.
Photo Caption: Highlights at Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards 2025