Children and youth under the age of 14 account for 24.3 per cent of the total population of Sri Lanka and the youth enjoy high literacy rates at 98 per cent for boys and 99 per cent for girls. These high rates of education can be attributed to national policies for free and compulsory education in Sri Lanka dating back to the 1940's. More recently in 1997 the Government of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka passed the Compulsory Education Ordinance further strengthening the national framework for universal primary education. Free and compulsory primary education in Sri Lanka is implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which manages 9,931 public schools with 41 million students and over 233,000 teachers.
In Sri Lanka the State provides free education at primary, secondary and university levels that is compulsory for children between five and 16 years of age. The Government of Sri Lanka also uses the education system as an effective platform to ensure access to nutrition and provides a mid-day meal for children in designated coverage areas. In order to maintain high enrolment rates, children are also provided with free text books and two sets of uniforms. After completing primary education up to grade five, students are eligible to sit for the competitive 'scholarship exam' for entrance into so called 'popular schools' in urban centres equipped with the best facilities. Upon entering grade nine students are offered the option to continue with academic studies, enroll in an apprenticeship for technical work, or join agricultural production. Those who successfully complete secondary school up to grade 13 and then complete the Ordinary Level receive a General Certificate of Education.
Sri Lanka’s educational reforms carried out in 1997 support the country’s move toward inclusive education. Education reform in Sri Lanka is also supported by the 1978 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, which promotes the eradication of illiteracy and the assurance of equal access to education at all levels. While Sri Lanka's free and universal education policies have contributed to social mobility and reduced poverty among low income groups, some challenge remains in improving quality and relevance of education provided. Nonetheless, Sri Lanka’s free and compulsory education system forms an important part of the national social protection floor and provides a platform to address the needs of children on plantations and the children of migrant workers.
Further Reading:
United Nations Children's Fund (2013). Out-of-School Children in Sri Lanka. Colombo.