Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited the CM Shri School in Rohini, Delhi, accompanied by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday. The visit was aimed at exploring possible collaborations in the field of education, with a focus on learning models, teacher training and student exchange programmes.

I am writing about this visit because it highlights a growing interest among neighbouring countries in India’s public education model, especially the Delhi government’s recent innovations through schools like CM Shri and Delhi Model Schools. Education diplomacy—building bonds through shared learning and development—has become an important part of international relations. This visit by Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister shows how good practices in schooling and teacher development can transcend borders, creating opportunities for mutual growth. Understanding such partnerships gives us a glimpse into how education is evolving as a tool for regional cooperation and cultural exchange.

A Warm Welcome in Delhi

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was welcomed by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials from the Directorate of Education. The delegation was given a guided tour of the CM Shri campus, where they observed classrooms, smart learning facilities, and the student-led innovation programmes that have become a hallmark of Delhi’s reformed education system.

The Sri Lankan leader appreciated the modern facilities, inclusive teaching practices and the way the school integrated technology into day-to-day learning. During the visit, discussions were held about possible collaborations between Sri Lanka and Delhi’s Education Department, especially in areas of teacher training, exchange programmes and policy sharing.

What the Visit Signifies

This visit carries symbolic and practical importance. For Sri Lanka, which is in the process of reforming its own education system, India offers a close and relatable example of large-scale transformation within a developing economy. For India, it strengthens ties with a close neighbour through soft power—using knowledge and learning as bridges for cooperation.

Both sides reportedly discussed the potential to set up exchange programmes where educators from Sri Lanka could learn about India’s school reforms, while Indian educators could study Sri Lanka’s community engagement and vocational education frameworks.

Key Focus Areas of Discussion

The following topics were at the heart of the visit:

• Teacher Training and Development: Sharing modules and workshops to improve classroom effectiveness and leadership.
• Student Exchange and Collaboration: Enabling exposure visits, cultural interaction and joint academic projects between students from both countries.
• Curriculum Design: Learning from Delhi’s approach to combining academic knowledge with life skills, mindfulness and entrepreneurship.
• Technology Integration: Exploring India’s use of smart classrooms, AI-based assessments and digital education platforms to support learning outcomes.

Comments from Officials

Education Minister Ashish Sood highlighted that the visit reflects how Delhi’s education reforms are being recognised globally. He said that Delhi’s government schools have become examples of how quality education can be delivered even within a public framework, thanks to strong political will and administrative focus.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya, in her remarks, praised the school’s focus on creativity and student well-being. She expressed interest in adopting some of these ideas in Sri Lankan schools, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where access to modern learning tools remains limited.

The CM Shri Model and Its Growing Influence

The CM Shri School (Chief Minister School of Happiness, Responsibility and Innovation) was launched as part of Delhi’s initiative to transform public education. The schools combine modern infrastructure with values-based learning, focusing on critical thinking, innovation and emotional growth. The model has gained attention not just in India but internationally for improving learning outcomes and teacher accountability in government schools.

Delegations from several countries, including the UK, Finland, and now Sri Lanka, have shown interest in learning from Delhi’s education system. This aligns with India’s growing role as an education hub in South Asia, where policy exchange and collaborative learning are becoming powerful diplomatic tools.