18/09/2026
GAMPOLA ZAHIRA COLLEGE (NATIONAL SCHOOL)
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP (2027β2031)
PHASE 2 β WORKSHOP REPORT
Date: Wednesday, 29th July 2026
Time: 7.30 a.m. β 5.30 p.m.
Venue: Green Community Experience Centre, ZamZam Foundation, Elamaldeniya
Resource Person:
Dr. Fawzur Rahman
PhD, MBA, MIM/SL
Director β Mercy Education Campus
Presided over by:
Captain Ash Sheikh M.A.M. Mashair (SLEAS 1)
Principal β Gampola Zahira College
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1. Introduction
Gampola Zahira College has embarked on an important institutional development initiative to formulate a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan for the period 2027β2031.
The strategic planning process is intended to provide a clear direction for the future development of the College by identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, while establishing realistic, measurable, and sustainable goals for all major areas of College life.
The Phase 2 Strategic Planning Workshop was conducted on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at the Green Community Experience Centre, ZamZam Foundation, Elamaldeniya.
The workshop brought together representatives from the academic and administrative leadership of the College, sectional heads, senior teachers, the School Development Committee, Past Pupilsβ Association, GZC Union, and former members of the School Development Committee.
This broad-based participation provided an opportunity to incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences into the strategic planning process.
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2. Workshop Objective
The principal objective of the workshop was:
Β«To collaboratively develop a comprehensive, realistic, and measurable Five-Year Strategic Plan (2027β2031) that will guide the future growth and development of Gampola Zahira College.Β»
The workshop particularly focused on transforming the findings of the initial planning process into clearly defined strategic priorities, goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes.
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3. Workshop Agenda
The workshop was conducted according to a structured agenda consisting of the following key components:
1. Opening Session
- Welcome and opening remarks
- Introduction to the workshop objectives
- Expected outcomes of the workshop
- Explanation of the methodology
- Review of the strategic planning process and timeline
2. Presentation of SWOT Analysis
A comprehensive review of the College's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) was undertaken as an important foundation for strategic decision-making.
3. Identification of Critical Issues
Participants identified and discussed the major issues and challenges that require attention during the five-year planning period.
4. Identification and Validation of Strategic Thrust Areas
The major strategic thrust areas required to drive the development of the College were identified, discussed, refined, and validated through collective deliberation.
5. Formulation of Strategic Goals
Broad institutional goals were formulated in accordance with the identified strategic priorities and the future vision of the College.
6. Development of Strategic Objectives
Specific objectives were developed under each strategic goal to provide clear direction for implementation.
7. Refinement of SMART Objectives
The objectives were further refined according to the SMART principle β Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, ensuring that the final strategic plan would be practical and measurable.
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4. Participatory Approach
One of the most significant features of the workshop was its participatory and inclusive nature.
The strategic planning process did not remain confined to the College administration alone. Instead, representatives from different sectors of the College community were invited to contribute their views, experiences, suggestions, and expectations.
The participation of educational administrators, deputy and assistant principals, sectional heads, senior teachers, SDEC representatives, PPA representatives, GZC Union representatives, and former SDEC members enabled the College to consider its development from multiple perspectives.
The extensive discussions and exchange of ideas helped create a common understanding of the College's present situation and its desired future direction.
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5. Key Outcomes of the Workshop
The Phase 2 workshop successfully advanced the strategic planning process by:
- Reviewing and validating the SWOT analysis of the College.
- Identifying the critical institutional issues requiring strategic attention.
- Identifying and validating the major strategic thrust areas for 2027β2031.
- Formulating broad strategic goals aligned with the future aspirations of the College.
- Developing specific strategic objectives under the identified goals.
- Refining objectives to ensure that they are SMART and measurable.
- Creating greater ownership of the strategic planning process among the College stakeholders.
- Strengthening collaboration between the College administration, staff, SDEC, PPA, GZC Union, and other stakeholders.
- Establishing a stronger foundation for the preparation of the final Five-Year Strategic Plan (2027β2031).
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6. Significance of the Workshop
The completion of Phase 2 represents an important milestone in the institutional development journey of Gampola Zahira College.
This initiative is particularly significant because it represents the first strategic planning document of the College to be developed through a broad, consultative, and participatory process, with the active involvement of representatives from different sections of the College community.
Rather than being a plan prepared by a limited group, the process has sought to bring together the collective knowledge, experience, ideas, aspirations, and concerns of the wider College community.
The strategic planning process therefore provides not merely a development document, but a shared roadmap for the future of the College.
It is expected that the final Five-Year Strategic Plan will provide a clear framework for prioritising development activities, allocating resources, monitoring progress, strengthening accountability, and evaluating institutional performance during the period 2027β2031.
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7. Appreciation and Acknowledgement
The successful completion of this workshop was made possible through the valuable contributions and commitment of all those who participated in this important process.
As the Principal of Gampola Zahira College, I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants who actively engaged in the discussions, presented constructive ideas, shared their experiences, and contributed towards shaping the future direction of the College.
A very special expression of gratitude is extended to our respected Resource Person, Dr. Fowzur Rahman (PhD, MBA, MIM/SL), Director of Mercy Education Campus, for his invaluable contribution towards this historically significant initiative.
It is particularly noteworthy that Dr. Fowzur Rahman conducted and facilitated this entire workshop entirely free of charge, as a voluntary contribution towards the development and advancement of Gampola Zahira College. His willingness to dedicate his valuable time, professional expertise, and knowledge without any financial consideration reflects his deep commitment to educational development and his genuine interest in supporting the progress of educational institutions.
His expert guidance, professional knowledge, structured methodology, and effective facilitation enabled the participants to engage in meaningful and productive discussions throughout the workshop.
His support will remain a valued part of this important chapter in the strategic development journey of Gampola Zahira College.
On behalf of the entire College community, I place on record my deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Fowzur Rahman for this generous and selfless contribution.
Dear sir, May Allah Almighty bless you abundantly, reward you for your generosity, and grant you continued strength and success in your valuable service to education and society.
The College also extends its sincere thanks to the management of the ZamZam Foundation for providing the Green Community Experience Centre as the venue for this important programme and for supporting the successful conduct of the workshop.
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8. Participants
The following representatives participated in the Five-Year Strategic Planning Workshop:
Educational and College Administration
1. Mrs. Bagum β DDE, Gampola Zonal Education Office
2. Mr. Fazrul Ali β Deputy Principal, Administration
3. Mr. Joy Moovie β Deputy Principal, Co-curricular Activities
4. Mr. Wazeem β Assistant Principal, Administration
5. Shk. Riyas Mohamed β Assistant Principal, Development
Sectional Heads
6. Mrs. Shahar β Sectional Head
7. Mrs. Mehroon β Sectional Head
8. Mrs. M.F. Farzana β Sectional Head
9. Mrs. Farzana Habeeb β Sectional Head
Assistant Sectional Heads
10. Mr. Zaheer β Assistant Sectional Head
11. Mr. M.H.M. Rismy β Assistant Sectional Head
12. Mr. Hazaar β Assistant Sectional Head
13. Mr. Fouzul Haq β Assistant Sectional Head
14. Mrs. M.F.F. Farzana β Assistant Sectional Head
Senior Teachers
15. Mr. Ifaz β Senior Teacher
16. Mr. Caalib β Senior Teacher
17. Mr. Iqbar β Senior Teacher
18. Mr. Jawfer β Senior Teacher
19. Mrs. Fasheera β Senior Teacher
School Development Committee (SDEC)
20. Mr. Shakir β Secretary, SDEC
21. Mr. Shafni β SDEC Member
22. Mr. Fahad β SDEC Member
Past Pupilsβ Association (PPA)
23. Mr. Firzan β President, PPA
GZC Union
24. Mr. Mufthy Hashim β President, GZC Union
25. Mr. Zuhry β GZC Union
Former SDEC Representatives
26. Dr. Afzal β Former Secretary, SDEC
27. Mr. Hibath β Former Member, SDEC
28. Shk. Mujahir β Former Member, SDEC
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9. Conclusion
The successful completion of the Phase 2 Five-Year Strategic Planning Workshop (2027β2031) marks an important step forward in the journey of Gampola Zahira College towards systematic, purposeful, and sustainable institutional development.
The collective effort, extensive discussions, and active participation of the College stakeholders have laid a strong foundation for the development of a strategic plan that reflects the needs, aspirations, and future vision of the College.
The next stage will focus on consolidating the outcomes of the workshops and developing the final strategic planning document, together with appropriate implementation mechanisms, indicators, responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring arrangements.
The success of the plan will ultimately depend not only on the quality of the document but also on our collective commitment to transforming the identified goals and objectives into meaningful action.
As a College community, we look forward to working together with one vision, shared responsibility, and a strong commitment to excellence to build a better and brighter future for Gampola Zahira College.
Insha Allah, this strategic planning initiative will become a significant turning point in the continued growth and development of our College.
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Captain Ash Sheikh M.A.M. Mashair (SLEAS 1)
Principal
Gampola Zahira College (National School)
