Decentralization and Role of School Development committees (SDC) in the Public Schools in Sri Lanka: Case Study in the Colombo District

Abstract

This paper discusses the nature of the implementation of School Development Committees (SDC) in the government school sector in Sri Lanka. The Programme of School Improvement (PSI) is being implemented in Sri Lanka since 2006. According to the PSI regulations and guidance, schools are anticipated to form School Development Committees (SDC) to make school decisions. Main research question in this study is: “how is the SDC implementation in the Colombo district government schools?” The nature of this study is qualitative inquiry, and multiple case study approach was used to inquire this research problem. Five schools were selected purposively, and five principals, five deputy principals, fifteen teachers and fifteen parents were comprised in the sample. Document survey, questionnaire and semi structured interviews were used to gather information in this study. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis technique. Since the PSI implementation, the decision making process has been significantly changed. It seems that, most schools do not implement authentic democratic and participatory decision making style and participatory management approaches in school management. Most of the principals still perform the key role in decision making in the schools. Principal’s responsibility and accountability has been improved since he/ she has to execute new roles in school management. Lack of resources, negative attitudes and lack of awareness of the stakeholders are the key barriers to perform role of the SDC. Therefore, it is imperative to organize PSI awareness programmes since the stakeholders do not have better understanding on PSI or SBM. In addition, it is necessary to establish an administrative body to supervise PSI implemented schools, and to guide SDC members.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/kjm.v1i2.6452 Kelaniya Journal of Management Vol.1(2) 2012:28-50