10/07/21

Colombo 05.
Sri Lanka.

The Visa Officer,

British High Commission of Colombo,
No.389,
Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo 00700.
Sri Lanka.

Dear Sir/Madam,

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Introduction

My name is XXXXXXXXXX (PP NO N7XXXXX) and I am 40 years old. I am

employed as a nursery teacher at Visakha Nursery School, Colombo 04. I have
applied to follow a MA Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching) at
University of South Wales UK and was fortunate enough to get an unconditional offer
letter to study there. Hence, I wish to apply for a Student Visa to study in the UK in
order to enhance my qualifications in teaching.

My Family

I am the only child in the family. My father passed away when I was 3-year-old and
since then my mother took care of me very well until my marriage. She is 67 years old
and living with me in the same house. I got married in 2006 and my husband; XXX
XXXXXXXX, presently works as a Business Manager at a reputed international
organization. I have 3 sons; XXXXXX, XXXX XXX XXXXL.They are respectively
aged 13, 11 & 7. All three of them are studying at a reputed private school which is
also my husband’s former school. We are residing in our own house in Colombo. My
husband and my mom will take care of our children while my stay in UK.

My education & Career background

I studied at a very prestigious school; St. Bridget’s Convent Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
and completed my secondary education with flying colors in both GCE Ordinary and
Advanced level examinations in the year 2000. Being raised by a single mother and
with limited resources in the past for higher studies, I decided to start work in the
banking industry, determined to earn money for my higher education as a school
leaver. In 2003, I enrolled to follow ABE (Association of Business Executives) to
obtain a Diploma in Business Administration. In 2005, I completed the Advanced
Diploma in Business Administration as well.

Thereafter, I joined an IT company in 2006 to excel in my career. Raising 3 children

while working in the corporate sector was not an easy task. Nevertheless, I devoted
myself to my sons and enjoyed motherhood. My youngest son was born in 2013 and
the older two have started school by then. I was guiding them to read, write, color,
learn good manners and enjoyed the innocence of their childhood.

My sister in law’s son also contributed to a turning point in my life. He was autistic
and his mother was struggling to bring him up and make him ready for school. As we
were living close to each other, I used to go and help her to teach and guide him to do
simple tasks at home. This was a very interesting yet challenging experience for me.

This is the actual situation that encouraged me to pursue a formal qualification to be a

teacher. I believed that I was good at it and enjoyed myself around kids. With limited
options in the country, I decided to do a diploma in Montessori & Primary Education
at the Royal Institute International School. I resigned from my workplace as it was
difficult to balance work, family life and studies all together while working full time. I
never regret having to do so in my life.

In 2014, I started working at Rising Stars Montessori which was like a dream come
true. I was confident and passionate about what I do. The more I learned through
experience, the more I wanted to do higher studies to give more to the children.
Hence, while I was working as a teacher, I enrolled myself for a Diploma in Early
Childhood & Primary Education at The Open University of Sri Lanka, which was
more recognized and was covering a greater scope in early childhood and primary
education. After 2 years, in year 2018 I have successfully completed Diploma in Early
Childhood & Primary Education

I realized that my children also have benefited a lot out of what I learned and
experienced as they excelled in school in studies as well as in sports. As I gained
more experience, I moved on to a more recognized nursery school, namely Visakha
Nursery School in 2020, with the intention of seeking an opportunity to work in their
primary school later on. At present, my duties as a teacher include, preparing the
lesson plans, activities and teaching aids according to the themes in the curriculum,
planning extracurricular activities, maintaining observation records of children giving
importance to special needs children and handling issues and concerns of
parents/guardians related to children’s overall development.

Previous Education Qualifications in Chosen Field: -

-Diploma in Early Childhood & Primary Education at The Open University of Sri
Lanka 2018 (two years)
- Participation in the two days’ workshop on “Supporting children with speech and
 language difficulties” by the Department of Special Needs Education in June.
Royal Institute International School in 2014
- Diploma in Montessori & Primary Education - was awarded Honours
Life Centre Sri Lanka in collaboration with Royal Institute School in 2013

Summary of Working experience in Chosen Field: -

Visakha Nursery School,Bambalapitiya,Sri Lanka[– (2020 September to present.)
- Assistant teacher.

Rising Stars Montessori House of Children Mount Lavinia,Sri Lanka - (2014 Jun to
2020 Aug).
- Class teacher - (2018 March to 2020 Aug)
- Assistant teacher - (2014 June to 2018 March)

Vidura College, Nawala ,Sri Lanka– (2018)

One and a half months of teaching practice in a Grade one classroom and in the pre-
school as requested by the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Royal Institute International School – Maharagama Branch,Sri LAnka in 2013

- Internship for 40 hours in a Grade 3 classroom & LKG classroom.

Reasons for selecting UK?

There are several reasons which influenced me to select United Kingdom for my
masters. The foremost reason is the standard education system implemented in the
country while it is considered to be worldwide recognized, well organized and well
appreciated. I chose UK with the intention of getting an international exposure in both
my academic and professional levels. In UK, I will be able to experience the higher
living standards, multi-cultural diversity and international working environment.
Employability rate of UK graduates is also high across the world.
In terms of my intended course of study, a Master’s in Education in the UK will
enable me to gain the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which is recognized globally. I
will be able to complete a Master’s degree programme full time within a year where
other countries will take more than one year to offer the same qualification.
The United Kingdom is known for its high standards and quality of teaching as they
always include new technologies and modern facilities into the syllabus and the
lecturers are highly qualified with vast professional experience.
The UK government always considers the well-being of the International
students, and the reasonable tuition cost, safe atmosphere, lively cities with
multinational culture with student friendly environment.

Reasons for selecting University of South Wales and the course.

 University of South Wales was first recommended to me by ABEC Consultants in Sri
Lanka. Thereafter, I did my own research to select University of South Wales out of
thousands of universities in the UK. The main factors that I considered were the
availability of study programmes related to my field, cost-effectiveness, reputation,
reviews of past students and the delivery methods.

The university is the second largest University in Wales in terms of its student
numbers it has approximately 33000 students,2500 staff members and 1200 living
spaces for its students. Furthermore, I was assured that the University places a high
priority on the health and well-being of its employees and students and that it is
dedicated to ensuring a secure and healthy atmosphere. They also hope to foster a
tolerant atmosphere in which everyone can achieve their full potential

University of South Wales is dedicated to excellence in the delivery of higher

education and has a well-earned reputation for providing exceptional education by
dedicated professionals with practical and relevant industrial experience. University
of South Wales, would help me develop as a person in a field that I am passionate
about, allowing me to achieve my career goals and ambitions.

This MA Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching) program is ranked first

among many MA Education programs at other universities, according to many
national and international survey results. Many foreign students flock to this MA
Education program from all over the world. In terms of the course, MA Education
(Innovation in Learning and Teaching) is the best suited course for my profession as a
teacher. Modules such as International Perspectives on Early Childhood and
Innovation in Curriculum Design are ideal to enhance my existing knowledge about
early learners and preparation of annual curriculum and work schedules for the three
terms respectively. Selecting SEN/ALN modules will enable me to understand and
work closely with Special Needs Children even in an inclusive classroom. Working
with vulnerable groups is another interesting module which I hope to opt for as I have
little experience in that aspect.
South Wales University uses various teaching methods which include lectures,
seminars, class discussions, case studies etc. According to many national and
international survey results.
The University of South Wales Master of Education program allows graduates from a
variety of backgrounds to work across disciplines to envision future environments and
formulate alternative solutions in Teaching Learning Process. Graduates of the
program will pursue a variety of career paths in positions, preparing them for
positions in Teacher Trainer, Instructor in English, Subject Directors and as well as
Administrative Position in the Ministry of Education.

My future plans after completing the course

After successful completion of my studies, I’m hoping to return to Sri Lanka where
my family is and to continue to focus on my career in Sri Lanka. With the prestigious
qualification and the international working experience which I will gain from UK I
believe, I would be able to find a rewarding career in my country.

I would like to continue to work as a head teacher and engage in student counselling
in a reputed international schools such as British School in Colombo, Stafford
International school or CIS when I return to Sri Lanka. There I can expect to earn
around 200000/- LKR per month. This position will help me to share my knowledge
and experience with my fellow teachers and students while expanding their creativity
and innovations. I am sure that I would be able to implement the new methodologies
and technics in the schools for the betterment of the school children

As my ultimate career goal I am looking forward to obtain a PhD in this field and
work as an Education Director in a public organization such as the Ministry of
Education or Child Rights Authority in Sri Lanka.

Funds

I’m using my own funds for my stay in the UK, covering all of my study and living
expenses. My funds are available in a joint savings account with my husband We
maintain a joint savings account (A/C Number: 072107008246) with ‘’either to sign’’ signing
instructions at DFCC Bank Mount Lavinia Branch which has savings worth of LKR
5,071,043.54.

Summary

I have attached all supporting documents for your reference, and I hope you will
consider my application for my further studies in UK favorably.

Thank You.
Yours Sincerely,

------------------------------------
Chanika Dilshari Ranadeera

+94774930991 / +94716203205