Abstract:
School Based Management (SBM) programme is being implemented since 2006 in the Sri Lankan
government schools, and it is titled as the Programme of School Improvement (PSI) in Sri Lanka. This study
planed to investigate the changing responsibilities of the principals following the implementation of the
Programme of School improvement in the government schools. This study used qualitative inquiry, and a
case study approach and survey method also were employed to study the research problem. Data gathered
from the Principals, Deputy Principals and Teachers in the schools situated in the Colombo district.
Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data gathered using semi structured
interviews, questionnaires and document surveys. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and
descriptive statistics. The main research questions were: what changes have occurred in the principal's role
with respect to management and administration after the implementation of PSI, and what challenges faced
by the principal in the school with respect to management and administration after the implementation of
PSI. The findings suggest that there are considerable changes occurred in relation to the responsibilities of
the principals of the PSI implemented schools. With the implementation of the PSI several key changes can
be identified as: participatory decision making, strategic planning and participation of stakeholders in
school management. It seems that sufficient power for making decisions on the above matters has not been
delegated to the PSI implemented schools by the higher authority. Principal has a collective and shared
responsibility for the decisions made by the SDC. However, most decisions of the SDC are influenced by the
principal. The decision making process in the PSI implemented schools is dominated by the principal.
Moreover, selection of members for the school development committees is influenced by the principals. It is
recommended that to establish a particular supervisory body for monitoring the schools where the PSI is
being implemented, and the Principals and the SDC members should be given better training on the Sri
Lankan PSI system.
