School Development Committee (SDC) – Powers & Responsibilities
School Development Committee (SDC) in Sri Lankan Government Schools
Powers, Responsibilities & Key Limitations You Need to Know
The School Development Committee (SDC) is a statutory body established in every Sri Lankan government school. Its core mission is to enhance both the physical infrastructure and educational standards of the institution — bringing together parents, alumni, and school management under one organised body to drive meaningful, community-led improvement.
Financial Management & Fund Collection
Core authority over the school's financial affairs
Fundraising
Lawfully collecting funds and donations for school development projects and student welfare activities.
Fee Determination
Deciding upon and collecting Facilities and Services Fees from parents as approved by the committee.
Dedicated Bank Account
The SDC maintains a bank account in its own name, managed jointly by the Principal (as Chairperson) and the Treasurer. Dual authorisation ensures financial transparency and accountability.
Physical Resource Development
Authority to improve school infrastructure and environment
Building Maintenance
Renovating and painting school buildings, as well as identifying and addressing needs for new constructions.
Furniture & Equipment
Purchasing or maintaining desks, chairs, and learning equipment to create a better classroom environment.
Environmental Protection
Protecting school land, promoting cleanliness, and ensuring a safe and healthy school environment for all students and staff.
Education & Student Welfare
Supporting the Principal to raise academic standards
Extra Classes & Seminars
Organising additional classes and academic seminars to boost student achievement and examination performance.
Sports & Cultural Events
Providing funding and guidance for the annual inter-house sports meet, prize-giving ceremonies, and cultural activities.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
In emergency situations, the SDC assists the Principal in obtaining temporary teachers — either on a voluntary or paid basis — to ensure continuity of learning.
Administrative Oversight
Governance, transparency, and accountability mechanisms
Annual Audit
All income and expenditure accounts must be submitted every year for a formal audit, ensuring financial transparency.
AGM & Committee Meetings
Conducting Annual General Meetings (AGM) and executive committee meetings to deliberate and pass official resolutions.
Key Limitations of the SDC
What the SDC cannot do — important boundaries to understand
- Cannot transfer government-appointed teachers or take any disciplinary action against them.
- Cannot change the school curriculum or alter national education policies set by the Ministry.
- All SDC activities must comply with regulations set by the Zonal Director of Education and the Ministry of Education.
📌 In Summary
With the Principal serving as the Chairperson, the SDC's primary purpose is to transform government schools into model institutions. It achieves this through the active participation of parents and alumni, channelling community energy into financial, physical, and educational development — all within the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Education.
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