The Board of Graduate Studies (BGS) of the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme at the National Institute of Social Development (NISD) is a formally established academic governing and quality assurance body mandated to uphold and strengthen academic integrity, programme quality, and continuous improvement in postgraduate social work education. It functions as a key institutional mechanism for ensuring that the MSW programme is delivered in accordance with recognized academic standards, professional requirements, and ethical principles of social work education.
The Board provides strategic academic leadership and oversight across all dimensions of the MSW programme, including curriculum design and review, teaching and learning processes, assessment standards, research supervision, and field education. Through this structured governance framework, the Board ensures that the programme maintains consistency, relevance, and academic rigor while fostering innovation in social work education and practice. In addition, the Board plays a critical role in aligning the MSW programme with national development priorities, higher education policies, and international benchmarks in social work education. It ensures that the programme contributes meaningfully to the broader social development agenda of Sri Lanka by producing graduates who are capable of addressing complex and evolving social challenges.
Furthermore, the Board ensures that the MSW programme remains responsive to emerging social needs, changing professional demands, and global developments in social work theory and practice. This includes integrating contemporary knowledge areas, strengthening research culture, enhancing field-based learning, and promoting evidence-based practice approaches. Through continuous review and academic guidance, the Board supports the transformation of the MSW programme into a dynamic, relevant, and socially responsive postgraduate qualification that meets both national and international expectations.
Core Functions and Responsibilities
The Board is responsible for ensuring academic quality, relevance, and consistency of the MSW programme. Its key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing, developing, and approving curriculum structure and course content
- Monitoring teaching, learning, and assessment standards
- Ensuring fairness, consistency, and transparency in examinations and evaluations
- Guiding postgraduate research, dissertations, and academic publications
- Strengthening field education and practical training systems
- Identifying academic gaps and recommending curriculum improvements
- Promoting collaboration between internal and external academic experts
Policy and Governance Role
The Board plays a central role in academic policy formulation and governance. It is responsible for developing and updating:
- Curriculum frameworks
- Examination and assessment regulations
- Research guidelines
- Fieldwork and practicum standards
It ensures that all academic policies comply with institutional regulations, national higher education standards, and international best practices in social work education. The Board also provides strategic guidance to senior management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and academic integrity in programme implementation.
Current Members of the Board of Graduate Studies (BGS)
Senior Professor Premakumara de Silva
Director General
National Institute of Social Development
Dr. Manoji Harishchandra
Head of the Department,
Senior Lecturer of Philosophy
University of Kelaniya
Dr. Manoj Jinadasa
Senior Lecturer
Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya
Dr. Anula Rathnayake
Senior Lecturer in Social Work
Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Dr. Lashika Liyanage
Dean
Faculty of Management Social Sciences and Humanities at General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University
Mrs. V. Vasudevan
Additional Director General (Academic)
National Institute of Social Development
Mr. V. Jeyaruban
Director (School of Social Work)
National Institute of Social Development
Mrs. K.S. Wedisinghe
Director (Center for Quality Assurance)
National Institute of Social Development
Mr. A.B. Dinuda Tharusha
Registrar
National Institute of Social Development