British Examination Centre Launches in Colombo as a Cambridge Associate, Expanding International Exams Islandwide
AI-generated illustration. The authentic Sunday Times photograph of the agreement exchange is available in the original article and has not been reproduced here.
The British Examination Centre (BEC), an independent examination and assessment administration centre established under CEG Education Holdings, was officially launched at Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo on 25 October 2026. Its appointment as a Cambridge Associate marks a new local channel for supporting Cambridge International examinations across Sri Lanka, with the stated aim of making international examinations more accessible and convenient for schools, educational institutions, private candidates and parents.
For Sri Lankan students, access to internationally recognised qualifications can help connect school-level learning with further study and future career options. The launch also highlights the practical work involved in delivering examinations: registration, administration and results services require reliable coordination between students, families, schools and examination bodies. BEC has been established to support those processes through a dedicated local centre.
A local partner for Cambridge examinations
BEC’s Cambridge Associate appointment was a key feature of the launch. The arrangement enables the Centre to support the administration of Cambridge International examinations around the country, positioning it as a local partner for schools and candidates pursuing those qualifications.
The Cambridge assessments identified at the launch include Cambridge International AS and A Levels, Cambridge IGCSEs, and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments for Grades 5 and 8. Their availability through a local administration partner may be of interest to students who are considering internationally benchmarked study pathways while remaining in Sri Lanka.
AI-generated illustration of students studying in a classroom.
Cambridge International Head of Business Development Jonathan Hardy said: “Cambridge International AS and A Levels are recognised by over 2,500 universities worldwide. We are pleased to be working alongside BEC to help more students across Sri Lanka gain access to these valued qualifications. In addition, students will be able to sit Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge Checkpoint assessments, Grades 5 and 8, at the new centre, further expanding international opportunities for the country’s students.”
That range of assessments offers different stages of progression, from Checkpoint assessments in Grades 5 and 8 through to IGCSE and advanced-level study. As with any qualification pathway, individual students and families will need to consider their educational goals, preferred curriculum and the entry requirements of institutions they may later wish to attend.
Support for schools, parents and candidates
BEC’s stated role extends beyond examination sittings. Its services are intended to support schools seeking a dependable examination administration partner, allowing educators to focus on teaching and student development while examination arrangements are managed professionally.
The Centre also plans to provide partner schools with specialised teacher development programmes in collaboration with international partners. Such programmes are intended to strengthen teachers’ professional capabilities and classroom practice, while helping them prepare students for key examinations.
AI-generated illustration of educators participating in a professional development session.
Upali Witharana, Executive Director and CFO of CEG Education Holdings, said: “Through its examination administration services, BEC intends to support schools seeking a dependable partner capable of delivering an efficient and professional examination experience for their students. The Centre will also facilitate convenient examination registration and post-results services for parents and individual candidates, helping to make the examination process more seamless and accessible. Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications for Teachers is another area that BEC will focus on with many other international assessments added to its portfolio in the near future. These programmes will seek to strengthen teachers’ professional capabilities, enhance classroom practices and better prepare students for success in key examinations.”
For parents and private candidates, registration and post-results processes can be significant parts of the examination experience. BEC says it intends to make these services more convenient and seamless. The effectiveness of that support will depend on how the Centre implements its services and communicates requirements, deadlines and next steps to families and candidates.
AI-generated illustration of a student and parent reviewing study and examination materials.
Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake, Executive Director of ANC Campus, said: “BEC plans to progressively expand its portfolio of international assessments to meet the evolving needs of Sri Lanka’s education sector. Cambridge International qualifications are recognised by universities and employers worldwide and provide students with pathways to higher education and future career opportunities. By supporting access to Cambridge examinations in Sri Lanka, BEC aims to strengthen the availability of international assessment opportunities for both school-based and private candidates. These qualifications and assessments are increasingly relevant to schools seeking internationally benchmarked academic pathways for their students.”
The launch and its representatives
The launch was attended by Nilanka Imbuldeniya, Centre Manager of BEC; Rex Gunathilake, Director and CEO of ANC Campus; Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake, Executive Director of ANC Campus; and Zahara Ansary, Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives of Cambridge Assessment International Education.
At the ceremony, Witharana and Hardy exchanged the signed agreement between BEC and Cambridge Assessment International Education. The agreement formalised the Centre’s appointment as a Cambridge Associate and provided the institutional foundation for its examination-administration role.
The development is relevant not only to schools and families in Sri Lanka, but also to Sri Lankan parents and educators living abroad who follow education options available to young people in the country. International qualifications can provide students with pathways to universities and employers in different parts of the world; accessible local examination arrangements may therefore be a practical consideration for families assessing educational choices.
BEC’s plans also include adding further international assessments to its portfolio over time. The launch establishes an initial Cambridge-focused role, while the Centre’s future range of programmes will depend on its partnerships and subsequent implementation. For schools, students and families, the measure of its contribution will be the quality, reliability and accessibility of the services it provides.
The opening of BEC in Colombo adds a local partner to Sri Lanka’s international examination landscape. Its stated focus on examination administration, teacher development and convenient services for parents reflects the interconnected nature of education: student opportunity is shaped not only by curriculum, but also by the dependable systems that help learners access assessments and pursue further study.
Source: The Sunday Times
Source: The Island
This article was written based on the sources https://www.sundaytimes.lk/261025/education/british-examination-centre-launches-in-sri-lanka-as-a-cambridge-associate-661740.html and https://island.lk/british-examination-centre-launched-in-colombo/, kindly email us at info@eLanka.com.au if any information needs to be corrected.
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