Critical Reflections
Critical Reflections
Professional Growth Through Reflective Practice
Critical Incident 1: Career Transition and Lifelong Learning
In 2010, while serving at Pannala National School, I successfully passed the Grade 11 Sri Lanka Principal Service Examination. At that time, my daughter was in Grade 9 and my son was in Grade 4. Balancing family responsibilities with professional advancement was challenging, and I faced several personal and professional obstacles.
Despite these challenges, I accepted an appointment as Assistant Principal at Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. This decision required courage, adaptability, and effective communication. According to Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, this stage represented active engagement and learning through experience. I felt uncertainty, but recognized the importance of calculated risks.
This became a turning point. In 2020, I was promoted to a Grade 1 Principal and successfully completed my Master’s degree. At age 56, I declined an appointment as a National School Principal, believing that four years before retirement was insufficient to implement sustainable development—a decision reflecting ethical leadership. After retirement, I joined an international school environment. At 58, I continue to engage in professional development.
Despite these challenges, I accepted an appointment as Assistant Principal at Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. This decision required courage, adaptability, and effective communication. According to Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, this stage represented active engagement and learning through experience. I felt uncertainty, but recognized the importance of calculated risks.
This became a turning point. In 2020, I was promoted to a Grade 1 Principal and successfully completed my Master’s degree. At age 56, I declined an appointment as a National School Principal, believing that four years before retirement was insufficient to implement sustainable development—a decision reflecting ethical leadership. After retirement, I joined an international school environment. At 58, I continue to engage in professional development.
Learning and Professional Improvement
I learned that leadership growth requires courage and continuous self-reflection. In the future, I aim to mentor younger educators and apply reflective tools more systematically when making major professional decisions.
Critical Incident 2: Enhancing Academic Achievement
In 2011, at Devi Balika Vidyalaya, I introduced academic enrichment programmes, including subject camps, practical workshops, project-based learning, and structured development programmes. These initiatives aimed to improve subject mastery and examination readiness.
According to Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, this phase reflects purposeful planning, action, and evaluation. Continuous monitoring and learner-centred strategies were central. As a result, three students secured island-wide top three positions in the GCE Advanced Level Science stream.
According to Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, this phase reflects purposeful planning, action, and evaluation. Continuous monitoring and learner-centred strategies were central. As a result, three students secured island-wide top three positions in the GCE Advanced Level Science stream.
With Mr. Bandula Gunawardhana
Certificate of Commendation from Ministry of Education
Learning and Professional Improvement
This incident emphasized the value of collaborative teaching and stakeholder communication. I learned that sustainable success depends on systematic planning and teamwork. In future roles, I aim to use data-driven analysis to strengthen interventions.
Critical Incident 3: Professional Trust and Ethical Leadership
As I matured, I gained the trust and respect of my colleagues. At Royal International School, Kurunegala, I identified the need to strengthen ethical awareness. I initiated training programmes focusing on accountability, respectful communication, and commitment to student welfare.
Reflective dialogue and collaborative learning formed the foundation. This represented professional maturity, where leadership extends to shaping attitudes and values. In 2024, I received the RIS Recognition Award, “You Can Count on Them Award,” in appreciation of my reliability and professional commitment.
Reflective dialogue and collaborative learning formed the foundation. This represented professional maturity, where leadership extends to shaping attitudes and values. In 2024, I received the RIS Recognition Award, “You Can Count on Them Award,” in appreciation of my reliability and professional commitment.
RIS Recognition Awards
Learning and Professional Improvement
This highlighted that effective leadership is grounded in integrity, empathy, and accountability. I plan to strengthen mentoring systems and support emerging leaders in developing strong professional values.
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