{
  "id": 15982698,
  "title": "British Examination Centre launches in Sri Lanka as Cambridge Associate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/british-examination-centre-launches-in-sri-lanka-as-cambridge",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T23:59:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/british-examination-centre-launches-in-sri-lanka-as-cambridge-associate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The British Examination Centre (BEC), a new independent examination and assessment administration body, has officially opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This development marks a significant step in providing access to globally recognized qualifications, teacher training, and examination administration across the country. The launch event took place at Cinnamon Lakeside, highlighting the centre's official appointment as a Cambridge Associate, which will enable it to administer Cambridge International examinations throughout the island.\n\nBEC is poised to cater to a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, educational institutions, parents, and private candidates. Its primary goal is to deliver an efficient, accessible, and highly reliable examination experience. By partnering with BEC, schools can concentrate on their core educational delivery, while the centre handles the examination process. This collaboration will enable students in Sri Lanka to access Cambridge Checkpoint assessments (Grades 5 and 8), Cambridge IGCSEs, and Cambridge International AS & A Levels. These qualifications are acknowledged by more than 2,500 universities worldwide, offering students a pathway to higher education and career prospects globally.\n\nIn addition to its examination services, BEC will prioritize educator development by offering Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications for Teachers. These professional development opportunities will be provided in collaboration with international partners, aiming to enhance teaching practices and equip educators with the necessary skills to prepare students for success. The centre's Executive Director and CFO, Upali Witharana, emphasized the importance of providing a seamless registration and post-results experience for candidates and parents. They also expressed plans to expand the centre's offerings to include additional international assessments in the near future.\n\nJonathan Hardy, Head of Business Development for Cambridge Assessment International, welcomed the partnership with BEC, expressing Cambridge's commitment to expanding global academic opportunities for Sri Lankan students. Dr. Punarjeeva Karunanayake, Executive Director of ANC Campus, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the increasing relevance of internationally benchmarked academic pathways for students aspiring to study in higher education institutions abroad. Guided by a dedication to maintaining high administrative standards and forging strong institutional partnerships, BEC aims to become a comprehensive educational hub for students, private candidates, and educators throughout Sri Lanka.",
  "summary": "The British Examination Centre (BEC), an independent examination and assessment administration body established under CEG Education Holdings, was officially launched at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo recently. The establishment of the centre marks a significant milestone in expanding access to internationally recognized qualifications, teacher development, and examination administration across Sri…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}