1. Induction Programme for Probationary Lecturers
2. Certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Management
3. Certificate course in Office Administration
4. Certificate Course in University Administration and Management
5. Certificate Course in Student Support and Guidance

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.

Module 1: Orientation as a University Teacher 

Module 2: Personal Development and Counseling

Module 3: Teaching and Learning Methods 

Module 4: Assessment and Evaluation

Module 5: Curriculum Design and Revision 

Module 6: ICT skills in Higher Education 

Module 7: Teaching Practice

Module 8: Research in Higher Education

Module 9: University Administrative Procedures

Module 10: Strategic Planning and Management for Universities

The Certificate course in Office Administration was introduced in 2021 for Assistant Registrars & Management Assistants of the University of Kelaniya. The main objective of this course is to provide participants with the foundation knowledge, skills and competencies required to successfully carry out office and administrative tasks.  This programme intends to provide individuals with essential skills such as communication skills and computer software applications, and enable participants to provide office support and administrative assistance efficiently

This course consists of 40 hours of face-to-face teaching and approximately 15 hours of self-directed learning.  It consists of the following modules

Module 1: Introduction to the University System and Office Administration

Module 2: Communication Skills and Business Communication

Module 3: Essential ICT Skills

Module 4:  Record Keeping and Filing

Module 5: Interpersonal Skills

This course is a newly introduced course commencing in 2023.  This course is for administrative staff of state and private higher educational institutes. The intended learning outcomes of this course are for participants to demonstrate an understanding of the role of an administrative officer in the Sri Lankan higher education system; demonstrate a critical understanding of the current issues within higher education sector in Sri Lanka; develop their professional capacity as reflective practitioners, enabling self-assessment of skills and performance within the professional context; develop knowledge and skills to perform their managerial tasks efficiently and effectively and develop communication skills and leadership skills that would prepare them for future leadership positions in the higher education sector.

This course is offered in English medium and consists of  132 hours directed learning activities as well as 20 hours of self-directed learning taking approximately 7-8 months to complete. The course is delivered  a hybrid manner with mandatory in-person sessions as well as live on-line teaching sessions.

The course consists of the following modules.

Module 1: Role of a University Administrator

Module 2: University Governance, Administrative and Financial Procedures

Module 3: Personal and Professional Development

Module 4: Managing and Leading People & Change in Higher Education

Module 5: Communication skills

Module 6: IT Skills

Module 7: Project Management and Quality Management

This Certificate Course was introduced in 2020 for Assistant Student Counsellors of the University of Kelaniya.  However, it is a course developed for any academic or non-academic staff members interested in promoting mental health and well-being among university students. The course was designed to develop essential skills in providing information, communication and counselling in order to enable participants to function effectively within the organizational context, and help students adjust to the educational institution and to become successful academically, socially and psychologically.  The course was developed with the contribution of leading experts in the field of Psychology and Counselling, and delivered by qualified internal and external resource personnel. The course consists of 42 hours of face-to-face teaching and 18 hours of self-directed learning.