Dr Hayeshika Fernando has been named Most Outstanding Female Educator of the Year 2026 at the Calin Popular Awards, recognising her two decades of commitment to primary education and the preparation of young students for Sri Lanka’s Grade Five Scholarship Examination.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Dr Fernando has helped numerous students strengthen their academic knowledge and develop the skills and confidence needed to face the highly competitive examination. She currently conducts educational programmes through Queen’s Education Institute, which operates in Colombo 03, Negombo and Katana.
One of her signature initiatives is “Shishyathwayata Mama Sudanam” (I Am Ready for the Scholarship), a structured educational programme designed to prepare students for the Grade Five Scholarship Examination through subject-based learning, examination practice and comprehensive discussions.
The programme caters to students from Grades Two to Five, combining theoretical lessons, subject-specific exercises, model examination papers and detailed explanations. Particular emphasis is placed on Papers I and II of the Scholarship Examination, with targeted practice sessions intended to improve students’ understanding, problem-solving abilities and examination performance.
Sinhala language development is another key component of Dr Fernando’s teaching approach. Her comprehensive 10-month grammar programme covers vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, proverbs and essay writing, incorporating language concepts taught from Grades Three to Five. The programme aims to strengthen students’ language proficiency while building a solid foundation for their academic progress.
Environmental Studies also features prominently in her educational programmes. Lessons cover 16 topics from the primary school curriculum and incorporate educational videos, practical explanations, note-writing activities and exercises based on past examination questions. These methods are designed to make lessons more engaging while helping students develop a clearer understanding of key concepts.
Recognising the growing importance of digital education, Dr Fernando has integrated online learning opportunities into her teaching programmes. Students can participate in live classes and access recorded lessons, allowing them to revisit challenging topics, revise important concepts and learn at their own pace.
Beyond examination preparation, her approach emphasises the importance of building strong foundational knowledge, encouraging independent learning and nurturing students’ confidence. Through structured teaching methods and continuous assessment, she seeks to identify learning difficulties and help children improve their academic performance.
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