Authors - Arosha de Silva Abstract - The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted educational systems worldwide and required schools to adopt online learning within a short period. In Sri Lanka, secondary school teachers encountered numerous difficulties while adapting to virtual teaching environments. This study examines the challenges experienced by teachers when conducting online instruction during the pandemic. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data collected from secondary school teachers and educational professionals. The findings revealed that teacher motivation, technological infrastructure, and increased workload significantly influenced the effectiveness of online teaching. Difficulties related to internet access, digital resources, and professional demands affected teachers’ ability to deliver lessons efficiently. The study highlights the importance of institutional support, professional training, and improved access to technology in strengthening online education. The findings may assist policymakers and educational institutions in developing effective strategies to support online and blended learning initiatives in the future.