In 2006, the Ministry of Education introduced the School Development Committee system into the government schools in Sri Lanka. The main purpose of this system is to enhance the participation of stakeholders in school management process and to introduce participatory management culture into the school system in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the implementation, effectiveness and the role of School Development Committee in the Gampaha district schools in Sri Lanka. This study used a qualitative, multiple case study approach to study the research problem with special reference to the Gampaha district schools. The purposive sampling technique used to select the participants in this study, and data analyzed using thematic data analyzing technique. It was revealed that most principals influence the selection of SDC members, and the selection of members for the SDC is not materialized democratically and also according to the MoESL guidelines. However, some schools are enthusiastic to cultivate a participatory management culture in their schools through their SDCs. The SDC members have chances to be involved in the decision-making process and to contribute their ideas in the SDC meeting. The SDC members do not have better knowledge and understanding of school management policies. The background of the parents of the students does not sufficiently accommodate the development of schools. The SDC members do not show a self-encouragement and also a self-interest to regularly participate in SDC meetings. It is vital to encourage all school governing board members to attend regular workshops on school management, and emphasize the responsibility of education authorities organizing such training and awareness programmes.