The Maldivian Educational and Cultural Centre (MECC), based at Sosun Villa in Colombo, has introduced a comprehensive restructuring of its academic curriculum to enhance the quality of education provided to Maldivian students residing in Sri Lanka. 

The updated curriculum redefines the structure of courses offered at the Centre, dividing them into four developmental stages designed to match students' age and academic levels. The changes respond to concerns about the former curriculum’s effectiveness, particularly in preparing students for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams. Teachers had noted challenges in language fluency and exam preparedness among younger students.

The revised framework includes four tiers: Dhaala (Foundation Stage, for nursery to Grade 2), Koadhu (Grades 3–5), Fanaaru (Grades 6–8), and Kuriboashi (Grades 9–10). Each level incorporates instruction in Dhivehi language, Quranic studies, and Islamic education. As students progress through the stages, lessons in civic values, national history, and patriotism are gradually introduced.

According to MECC, these changes are already demonstrating measurable academic benefits. All students from the Centre who appeared for the SSC exams in the past two academic years successfully passed. Feedback from both teachers and parents has been largely positive, particularly regarding improvements in vocabulary and language use among younger learners in the Dala levels.

The Centre also hosts a variety of extracurricular activities aimed at cultural preservation and community engagement. Events such as Quran recitation competitions, madaha recitals, national day observances, and language forums are held regularly, replicating the cultural environment of schools in the Maldives.

MECC currently holds classes three days a week, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and offers additional courses in Dhivehi and Sinhalese for both Maldivians and Sri Lankans, fostering stronger cross-cultural understanding. The Centre also serves as a cultural link between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, facilitating programmes that celebrate and sustain Maldivian heritage abroad.

Officials from the Centre stated that their long-term vision is to produce students who are academically capable, culturally grounded, and morally responsible. nt.