The flagship program of the SDC of the University of Kelaniya is the Induction Programme for Probationary Lectures which is conducted  for newly recruited probationary lecturers to universities and higher education institutes (HEI) in Sri Lanka. Since inception in 1998, the SDC has successfully conducted 24 Cycles of the Staff Development programme for probationary lecturers. 

This induction programme is open to all probationary lecturers in Sri Lankan universities and academics from state and private higher educational institutes in Sri Lanka. The successful completion of the induction programme, which is accredited by the University Grants Commission, fulfills the requirements for newly recruited staff members to successfully complete a staff development programme for purposes of confirmation in their positions as stipulated by the UGC. Many probationary lecturers from other universities and higher educational institutes have successfully completed this programme in the past years along with probationary lecturers from the University of Kelaniya.

This programme involves approximately 150 hours of work for a participant and consists of the following modules. Each module focuses on the development of individuals in his/her role as a university teacher. The course is typically conducted on-site.