online education in sri lanka essay

Your browser is ancient! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

Welcome to ‘Talking Economics’, the blog of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), Sri Lanka’s apex socio-economic policy think tank.

Distance Education during and after COVID-19: Long Road Ahead for Sri Lanka

Share this post

In what has been recognised as the world’s largest educational crisis, the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a record number of students being forced to stay away from schools and universities. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics , at the peak of the pandemic’s first wave in mid-April 2020, over 190 countries had implemented nationwide closures, affecting more than 90% of the world’s student population.

Interruptions to education can have long-term implications, beyond mere losses in learning, including increased dropout rates, loss of nutrition, and reductions in future earnings – the effects of which are disproportionately experienced by the more vulnerable. Deepening inequalities is particularly concerning at a time when economies are embarking on the decade of action to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the overall aim of leaving no one behind. Providing equitable access, however, is not enough; the SDG focusing on education also stresses the importance of ensuring “quality education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.” Achieving such goals becomes all the more challenging in a distance learning environment.

Sri Lanka is no exception to these realities; the country shut down schools and universities nationwide on 12 March 2020, with alternative means of education being carried out in various capacities. Although a gradual reopening of schools was initiated in early-July, this week has seen a temporary closure again, amidst concerns of a possible second wave. This blog examines the effectiveness of distance education in Sri Lanka, from the perspectives of inclusion and quality, and explores policy measures that can deliver and sustain more equitable and effective learning outcomes, beyond COVID-19.

Inclusiveness of Distance Education

In many Sri Lankan public schools, learning during the pandemic has mostly occurred via online channels, with teachers sending large volumes of material as PDF documents to students via WhatsApp and Viber. However, recent survey data indicate that in 2018, only 52% of Sri Lankan households with school-aged children owned a smartphone or computer – essential for online learning – and only 40% had an internet connection, primarily via mobile phones (Figure 1). This means that less than half of all households in Sri Lanka can benefit from e-learning opportunities.

There has also been limited use of other distance education channels, such as television and radio, to which students in rural areas have relatively more access (Figure 2).

Quality of Distance Education

Teaching online requires specialised skills such as knowing how to conduct classes in a virtual environment, the training for which is currently lacking in Sri Lanka. Distance teaching also necessitates equipping students with tools to learn independently – as opposed to note-dictating methods – in the absence of face-to-face interaction. Apart from problems with the bulk transfer of material and difficulties associated with reading and absorbing content from a phone screen, the current practice of sending large volumes of material via WhatsApp and Viber is problematic, as it reinforces teacher-centred education, where students merely absorb what is spoon-fed to them. In such a setting, achieving effective and relevant learning outcomes is difficult.

Way Forward

Given uncertainties surrounding the complete eradication of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible occurrence of future crises, distance education might be here to stay. Sri Lanka, therefore, needs to take rapid and decisive action in improving the delivery of equitable and quality remote learning opportunities. Below are some policy measures that Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education can consider, drawing from international examples where relevant.

Safeguarding Education Equity

The eventuality of continuing with online education in the future calls for increased accessibility to online platforms by lowering associated costs and building infrastructure. However, a more dedicated effort to expand other forms of distance learning is also crucial to reach the poorest students. Efforts taken by the Kerala State Education Department to ensure that all children are engaged in learning, provides a good example. Online classes are made available on a government-run education channel and YouTube, while a microfinance scheme has been set up to provide 120,000 laptops to those who lack them. Online lessons are also broadcasted on a dedicated television channel to cater to students without access to the internet and devices. Additionally, to reach students’ households where no televisions are available, the State plans to set up 50,000 ‘Neighbourhood Study Centres’ in selected localities resourced with a television, through which educational programmes can be aired. These efforts are also supplemented by textbooks and printed material delivered to students’ homes.

Improving Education Quality

An optimistic view argues that COVID-19 has disrupted an education system that was already losing its relevance, thereby presenting an apt opportunity to bring about critically-needed education system transformations, particularly in the context of the emerging technology-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Online education can take the lead in creating more effective methods of teaching and learning, including avenues for teachers to engage in collaboration and professional development, and fostering independent student learning and a wider range of cognitive, social, and emotional skills which the 4IR demands. This is an important opportunity for change in Sri Lanka’s content-heavy examination-focused education system.

Such a transformation calls for substantial revisions to teacher training programmes to include content on best practices in online and other distance teaching methods, based on well-researched evidence. Public-private partnerships are also key in providing technical guidance. The Chilean Education Ministry, for example , collaborated with Google and Fundación Chile – a technology company focusing on technology innovation and implementation – to provide access and technical support to assist teachers in organising course content, grading assignments, and communicating with students.

Leveraging the Dividend in Innovation

Moreover, to capitalise on opportunities presented by COVID-19 to build-back-better, factors contributing to past successful innovations need to be examined, looking at how such capacity can be sustained going forward. For example, Sri Lanka’s positive experiences with virtual and blended learning in smart classrooms need to be promoted and further expanded. Doing so calls for a substantial boost in education-research budgets from existing meagre levels, while mobilising support for innovation requires strong communication – by all education stakeholders – of the need for change, via policy forums, awareness campaigns, and media outlets.

Women in the Sri Lankan Workforce: Dissecting Education and Female Labour Force Participation

Te digest editorial - 'it’s all about jobs', regulating inbound migration: ‘in’s and ‘out’s of sri lanka’s policy framework, weathering disasters: why it pays to be prepared, about the author, ashani abayasekara.

Demystifying Hawala/Undiyal – The Not So Dismal Science:[…] believed that informal fund transfer operations in Sri Lanka have expanded considerably due to the wide gap between the…

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Economic implications for Sri Lanka | SRI LANKA:[…] https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2022/02/28/russia-ukraine-conflict-economic-implications-for-sri…) […]

Youth Migration: Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lanka – The Not So Dismal Science:[…] and remittances have been widely discussed in relation to the current foreign exchange shortage in the country. Although there is some…

Saving GSP+ Requires Genuine Progress on Human Rights | SRI LANKA:[…] Institute of Policy Studies blog analysing the potential impact was sobering. Researchers estimated that if the UK followed the EU […]

The X-Press Pearl disaster and the imperative for regional maritime cooperation – Sri Lanka News Updates:[…] Righting the Ship: The X-Press Pearl Disaster and the Imperative for Regional Maritime Cooperation […]

Twitter Feed

• Challenges remain for China–Sri Lanka FTA by Saman Kelegama http://wp.me/poZN0-aDn
• Only a few more hrs till @EarthHourLK! Did you know that IPS also works on #climatechange policy issues in #SriLanka? http://www.ips.lk/climatenet/
• Today we had an in-house seminar by Kanchana Wickramasinghe on Environ Mgmt Practices in the Hotel Sector in #LKA pic.twitter.com/oExV6TdpgV

Online Learning in Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The temporary closure of educational institutions during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has abruptly transformed the global education landscape in favor of distance learning. This radical shift saw a surge in the use of various digital platforms and applications, including digital learning management systems, collaboration platforms for live-video communication, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and tools for creating learning content. Some platforms have offered free access to basic services, especially during the pandemic, which higher education institutions used extensively, especially among academic staff and students with digital experience. For example, 90.3% of universities in Japan were providing distance learning as of 1 June 2020. In upper-middle-income countries, 88% of youth managed to continue learning, including 54% by video lectures and 40% by online testing. Read Full Article

AUTHORS Hayashi, Ryotaro, Garcia, Marito, Maddawin, Angelica, Hewagamage, K. P.

Source : https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/635911/online-learning-sri-lanka-during-covid-19.pdf

The Inauguration of the MA in Sinhala Programme - 2020/2021

Farewell of professor w n wickremasinghe, latest post.

No. 1 Among Sri Lankan Universities in SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2024

Indian Delegation Explores Collaboration with Ayurveda Education and Research

Post of Mason/Carpenter

Post of programme assistant and technical assistant – faculty of graduate studies, post of lecturer (probationary)/ lecturer (unconfirmed)/ senior lecturer grade ii/ i – faculty of technology, featured courses.

“Assuring Quality in Higher Education Libraries” – A Short Training Program | NILIS

Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Diploma in Human Rights (DHR) – Centre for the Study of Human Rights

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degree Programme 2024

General Pathology Revision Course 2024 – Faculty of Medicine

Upcoming events.

The 19th International Research Conference on Management and Finance (IRCMF 2024)

• Vision & Mission
• Rankings & Reputation
• Privacy policy
• Visual Identity
• Vice Chancellor
• Past Chancellors
• Past Vice Chancellors
• Rector – Sri Palee Campus
• Deans of the Faculties
• Directors of the Institutes & School
• Acting Registrar
• Acting Librarian
• Academic Personnel
• Administrative & Financial Officers
• IT Committee
• MoUs and Agreements
• Action Plan
• Annual Reports
• Corporate Plans
• Strategic plans
• Emeritus Professors
• Honorary Degrees
• Graduate Studies
• Indigenous Medicine
• Management & Finance

CAMPUS & SCHOOL

• Sri Palee Campus (SPC)
• University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC)
• Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (IARS)
• Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IBMBB)
• Human Resource Advancement (IHRA)
• National Institute of Library & Information Sciences (NILIS)
• Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM)
• Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine (PG-IIM)
• Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS)
• Center for Environmental Initiatives (CEI)
• Centre for Environmental Law and Policy ( CELP)
• Center for Excellence in Disability Research, Education and practice (CEDREP)
• Centre for Open & Distance Learning (CODL)
• Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR)
• Center for Quality Assurance (CQA)
• Center of Research and Development (CRD)
• Confucius Institute
• National Education Research & Evaluation Centre (NEREC)
• Staff Development Centre (SDC)
• Social Policy Analysis and Research Centre (SPARC)

UNITS & PROJECTS

• Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD)
• Blended Learning Project
• Career Guidance Unit (CGU)
• Higher Education for the Twenty-first Century
• Improving Relevance and Quality of Undergraduate Education (IRQUE)
• International Office – University of Colombo (IOUC)
• JICA Chair Programme
• University Business Linkage (UBL) Cell

OUR RESEARCH

• Find an Expert
• Research News
• University Research Awards
• Google Scholar
• ResearchGate
• Main Library
• Sri Palee Campus

DIGITAL LIBRARIES

• UoC Repository
• CEI Publications

PUBLICATIONS

• Annual Research Symposium (ARS)
• International Conferences
• CSHR Resource Centre
• University of Colombo Review (UCR)
• Colombo Business Journal (CBJ)
• Colombo Journal of Multi-disciplinary Research (CJMR)
• ColomboArts Journal
• Sri Lanka Journal of Education (SLJE)
• Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine (SLJIM)
• Certificate
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Certificate Courses
• Diploma Courses
• Postgraduate Programmes
• Undergraduate Programmes

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

ONLINE & DISTANCE

• Online Courses
• Distance Learning

ADMINISTRATION

DIVISIONS & BRANCHES

• Academic Establishment
• Academic & Publications
• Non Academic Establishment
• Examinations Branch
• Student & Staff Affairs
• Financial Documents for Staff
• Program Budget
• Procurements

STAFF AFFAIRS

• Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC)
• Health Centre
• Sevaka Anyonyadhara Sangamaya (SAS)
• Medical Welfare Scheme
• Research Grants
• Vehicle Passes

DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES & CENTRES

• Center for Gender Equality (CGE)
• Colombo University Press
• Department of Physical Education
• Student Counselling Office
• Network Operations Centre (NOC)
• University Business Linkage (UBL Cell)
• Convocation
• Exam Rules and Regulations
• Student Awards & Prizes
• Achievements
• Arts & Culture
• Student Affairs
• Student Counselor Office

SCHOLARSHIPS

• International Students
• Current Students

INFORMATION

• By-Laws, Guidelines & Policies
• Educational and Leisure Trips
• Email Policy
• Emergency Contacts for Students
• Examination Results
• Marshal Office
• Physical Education
• Ragging and Violence
• Social Media Guidelines
• Student Information System(SIS)
• Transcripts
• Announcements
• COVID-19 Information
• Learning Management Systems
• Microsoft Azure for Education
• Microsoft Office 365
• Overseas Leave System
• Single Sign-on (SSO)
• SSHR – ERP
• Student Information Systems (SiS Hub)
• Training & Teaching Guides
• International

Panchami Jayawardena - National Showcasing Team • • Uncategorized

Impact of COVID-19 in the Sri Lanka education system

 Education is the most important weapon

In that respect, the government of Sri Lanka has long played a major role in improving the quality of education in Sri Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka is one of the leading countries in providing free education from villages to cities. Through this education system, many students have built their careers on the path of progress. In addition, it is very useful for every student from preschool to university. Classroom activities, direct lessons, dedicated teachers, and government regulations are the main reasons for this achievement in Sri Lanka.

Effects of the new normal situation

The COVID-19 which has been plaguing the world, since last year is also having many repercussions in Sri Lanka as well. Everything has positive and negative sides as if there are two sides to the coin. However, this COVID-19 causes many negative impacts on the Sri Lanka education system. This new normal encourages mainly online learning.

Limitations of the online learning in the Sri Lanka education system

The impact of COVID-19 has created an opportunity for students to study online. Although this online education allows students to learn about new technology, it is less effective than direct education because students will not be under the direct supervision of the teacher. The furthermore main issue during taking online classes or lectures is poor networking due to this so many students and teachers are affected. Many poor students are unable to get education properly due to the absence of smartphone, laptop facilities in their homes during this pandemic situation. Thus, education reaches only a few students.

Online learning process

As well as this pandemic is provoking child employment. It directly affects the children ‘s life. This COVID-19 has a negative influence on university students’ careers. It has increased the time taken for university students to receive a degree. Students or learners are prone to many health problems like visual impairment, laziness, and spinal pain as they engage in online learning mostly. and it stimulates some mental issues among students, teachers, and parents as well. In this pandemic situation, students interacting with their society become very poor. Also, students’ writing and reading skills and habits are declining these days. Relationship bonds are weakening because there is a situation where it is not possible to spend time with families despite being with them. The adage is that “setting up a school is more massive than setting up a thousand prisons ”, this well illustrates the need for schooling.

The school direct education system teaches students good habits, cultures, and extracurricular activities along with their studies, but online learning can’t encourage these chapters properly among people.

 The positive effects of online education in Sri Lanka

However, Online learning is the best solution to face the challenges of COVID-19. And it is enhancing student education in this COVID -19 pandemic Because there are no other substitutes. Also, This virtual learning help to make a good relationship between students -teachers during the lockdown. And E-learning is an efficient way to deliver lessons via tools like PDF, Video recording, podcasts. And it provides accessibility to time and place. Also, its affordability means the reduced financial cost like traveling and food, etc.

As well as many teachers  volunteering to teach students online for free. Hence, we need to understand the situation and adapt ourselves accordingly. All Sri Lankans must make proper use of available resources and, contribute to the development of Sri Lanka.

Therefore, it is best to take full advantage of the benefits of online education. It makes effective use of this pandemic.

Last modified:

A good read.

nice explain

This is some GREAT words!!!!👏❤️

It’s very useful in our education Thank you so much.

very good document

A good article on online learning .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• AIESEC Sri Lanka
• GlobalTalent
• GlobalTeacher
• MentalHealth
• National News
• National Partners' Week
• Partnerships
• Uncategorized
• Work Abroad

• Share My Story
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Select Page

Online Education & E-Learning growing in Sri Lanka. 70% of students faced connection issues

Posted by admin | May 23, 2021 | News | 0 |

Following sri lanka’s government requests, several media organisation have started online, electronic media and distant education programmes for students, who are engaging in a long vacation following the Coronavirus outbreak to continue their studies.

At a recent meeting Education Minister requested from media to assist the education activities of students by telecasting and broadcasting educational programmes. Sri Lanka Rupavahini SLRC launched  two educational channels  (Channel Eye and Nethra Tv). The Education Ministry will guide and monitor the programme.

Following the Coronavirus outbreak, which has become a threat to the entire world, the entire student community from kindergarten to university is at home as no education institute is functioning.

The global online education market is projected to witness a 9.23% annual growth during the forecast period to reach a total market size of USD 319.16 billion in 2025.

Increasing penetration of the internet in many regions across the globe is a major factor driving the market growth. Growing adoption of cloud-based solutions coupled with huge investments by major market players towards enhancing the security and reliability of cloud based education platforms, are further increasing its adoption among the end users.

What are the best “Online Education” / “E-Learning” websites in Sri Lanka ?

1.  Guru.lk

2.  e-thaksalawa

3. Nenasa App – available on the Google Play Store

4. Dialog ViU App – available on the Google Play store and App Store

In a time when Information Technology is the lifeblood of the global economy, the sector which is keeping alive those businesses which are able to adapt to remote function during the COVID-19 lockdown, it seems fitting to recognise those which have shown themselves to be the Best among the best in Sri Lanka. 

The ICT Industry in Sri Lanka has seen a rapid expansion in the last 5 years, rising to become the country’s fourth largest export earner with a goal of becoming a $ 5 billion industry by 2022.

According to an Asian Development Bank report last year, Sri Lanka made a remarkable transition to online tertiary education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 90% of student respondents were able to access online education, according to students surveyed.

However, the report said lack of laptops and consistently stable, high-speed internet access were the most significant challenges for students. More than 70% of students faced connection issues during online teaching and learning. The government has not addressed the issue, students says.

Several private universities already started online classes for their students.

Sri Lanka Technological Campus ( SLTC ) has taken an initiative to minimize interruptions to academic engagements and student life in general, of its university students. SLTC has made arrangements to conduct all its academic activities on virtual platforms and request the students to stay away from the university premises until further notice. The online activities will include the delivery of lectures and tutorials as per original schedule, practicals on stimulated platforms, submission of assignments , continuous assessments, and other academic support activities scheduled on the academic calendar.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology ( SLIIT ) opened the doors for all their students from all five faculties of the university, to attend a virtual campus on the 18th of March this year, creating a milestone in the history of higher education in Sri Lanka. SLIIT has joined top universities of the world in moving to online delivery of their lectures. Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Columbia, the University of Rochester and the State University of New York are some institutions that have already moved their campuses to the web.

The Education Ministry urges students to continue their studies by logging on to “e-thaksalawa”, the educational website of the Education Ministry during the school vacation. Students can utilise the time by continuing their studies with the assistance of e-thaksalawa by logging on to  www.e-thaksalawa.moe.gov.lk  website. Lessons from Grade one to thirteen are available in all three languages within the website.

According to the Minister, lessons, exercises, examination papers and activities are available for Grade One to Five. Besides, lessons, exercises and examination papers are available for secondary students while lessons, exercises and past and model papers relating to many subjects are available for the Advanced Level students. Several other online teaching and learning programmes are also available from various companies who have stated the children can access the programmes free of charge, while telecom companies have no announced zero data charges for such access. The authorities hope to expand these e-learning programmes in the future.

According to a news article published on dailymirror based on a study, it has found that digital consumers have rised during this outbreak.  43% consumers have engaged in a new digital activity for the first time in this period. Emerging opportunities are expected in online education, entertainment, online shopping, health services and bill payments space.

The same article says that TV viewership has increased by 56% during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In terms of the time spent, it has increased from an average of 130 minutes to over 200 minutes a day.

“Education and its challenges in the face of Covid-19.”

Though experts suggest an online education, practical problems and difficulties are arising from the online education. 

As the global pandemic crisis intensifies, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, remains committed to keeping Sri Lanka connected during these challenging times. Dialog is fully prepared and dedicated to maintaining business continuity of its telecommunication infrastructure and digital services for all its stakeholders, be it consumers, enterprises, business partners, or the Government.

With the prevailing situation turning online conveniences into daily necessities, Dialog has gone the extra mile to help Sri Lankans follow through with their social distancing efforts. In addition to keeping its customers connected during these turbulent times, Dialog has extended its support with the following special services for all Dialog Customers.

e-Learning – Free Content with No Data Charges on Guru.lk and Government Education Platforms.

In its efforts to minimise the disruption to the education system due to the early closure of schools, Dialog in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Headstart Pvt Ltd deployed a suite of free educational content and applications without any data charges for our children to continue learning from home. Dialog together with its partners have extended free content and online access to the following educational and content platforms:

2. e-thaksalawa

In addition to the above platforms, Dialog in partnership with the University Grants Commission and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka are set to provide free access with no Data charges to all official e-Learning platforms of State Universities for a short period.

About The Author

Sri Lanka's Latest News

Related Posts

Dalada Maligawa to organise Janaraja Perahera

January 6, 2023

417 dead sea Turtles, 48 Dolphins and 8 Whales washed up on Sri Lankan shores due to environmental pollution caused by the fire and sinking of MV X Press Pearl ship

July 30, 2021

Clarification by CBSL on Salary Hike

February 25, 2024

President yet to accept PSM Charles’ resignation letter?

January 28, 2023

RECENT POSTS

• A/L classes to begin immediately after O/L exams May 15, 2024
• Circular on education administration reforms to be issued soon – Minister May 15, 2024
• Showery conditions expected to continue further May 15, 2024
• Asia Funding Window 2 Open for Gender Justice Initiatives in Sri Lanka May 14, 2024
• Rainy weather condition to continue May 14, 2024
• Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, released a six-point statement concerning the present economic situation May 14, 2024
• School sports coaches to receive teaching appointments May 14, 2024
• Edu. Minister responds to concerns over O/L English and Science papers May 14, 2024
• Resumption of India-Sri Lanka passenger ferry service postponed May 14, 2024
• Heavy showers of about 100mm expected in several provinces May 14, 2024
• Uncategorized

• Skip to content
• Skip to main navigation
• Skip to 1st column
• Skip to 2nd column

University Grants Commission - Sri Lanka

• Vision, Mission & Goals
• Commission Members
• Vice Chairman
• Standing Committees
• University Services Appeals Board
• Other Boards / Committees
• Aptitude/ Practical Tests 2022/23
• Foreign Admission 2022/2023
• Admissions Handbooks 2022/23
• Specimen Form for Appeals 2022/23
• Specimen Form - Sp.Intake 2022/23
• Min. Z-Score (Ac. year 2022/23)
• Min. Z-Score (Sp. Intake) 2022/23
• Notices - Uni. Admission 2021/22
• Annual Allocation 2024
• Monthly Cash Forecast
• Financial Stat(GFS)
• Financial Statements
• Mahapola & Bursary
• Personnel Emoluments
• Progress of Ongoing Projects
• Universities
• Other Recognized Degrees
• External Degrees & Ext. Courses
• Other Government Universities
• Recognized Foreign Universities
• South Asian University
• Research Grants
• Foreign Funding Project
• Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978
• Universities Act Amendments
• Establishments Code
• Commission Circulars
• Establishments Circular Letters
• Finance Circular Letters
• Pension Circular Letters
• Letters to all HEIs
• Other Circular Letters
• Postgraduate Institutes
• Other Ordinances
• Mahapola Scholarships
• Road to Adulthood
• Public Notice
• Degree programmes offered by OUSL
• Ragging & SGBV Complaints

Online Learning in Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Latest Highlights

• Advertisement for the post of Management Assistant, Grade III on Contract Basis
• Post of Computer Programmer
• Commission Circular No. 11/2024: Following Protocal and Procedural Step when Dealing with the Diplomatic Personnel(DPL) Community
• Commission Circular No. 10/2024 : External Recruitments to Non-Academic Non-Administrative posts in the University System
• Finance Circular No.04/2024 - Application of Cost of Living Allowance by the Commission Circular No.04/2024 and Academic Allowance of the Academic Staff as per Commission Circular No.03/2024 for the Universities Provident Fund (UPF) and Universities Pensi
• Commission Circular No. 09/2024 : Revision of Academic Allowance
• Commission Circular No. 08-2024 :Effective period to use the titles of Associate Professor, Proffessor and Senior Professor.
• Relief for the Lecturers (Probationary) who have been terminated due to the failure to complete prescribed postgraduate degree owing to COVID-19 pandemic

News & Events

• University Student Ambassador National Programme 2024
• Special intake for the applicants with exceptional abilities/skills in Sports to Universities -Academic Year 2022/2023
• Promotional Videos of Faculties of Technology
• Videos featuring Inspiring Female Graduates

Hon. State Minister's public day will be held on every Monday (starting from 26-09-2022) from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. You can meet the Hon. State Minister with making a prior appointment. Please click the following link to make an appointment or call the following number +94-112687637 +94-112687510

• Notice - Examination for Appointment of Primary Grades Employees to the Post of Management Assistant Grade III - 2021
• The Examination for the Promotion to the Post of Management Assistant, Management Assistant (Book Keeping), Management Assistant (Shroff), Management Assistant (Store Keeping) Grade III to Grade II - 2022
• Vacancy Report for the posts of Administrative & Financial Officers in the University System as at 16.11.2021
• Notice on appeals
• Notice on University Admission 2019/20
• Calling Expression of Interest to Supply Laptop Computers under the Special Loan scheme to State University entrants 2019/2020  - "Deadline for Submission Extended till 30th November 2020".
• Press Notice
• Special Notice
• Resuming to work from 11th May -2020
• Resuming to work and Guidelines to be adhered by Government Offices during the opening of districts for the resumption of normal day to day activities
• Academic Audit
• Programme Reviews (PR) in State Universities - 2017
• A Performance Score Card for the Internal Quality Assurance Units of Universities
• Payment Mechanism for Evaluation of Postgraduate Study Program Proposals and External Degree Program (EDP) Proposals
• Guidlines for Conducting Institutional Reviews (IRs) and Programme Reviews (PRs) in State Universities
• Procedure to be followed in presenting Government Business to Parliament
• Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF)
• Training Slots under the India Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and TCS of Colombo Plan (CP) Scholarship Scheme
• Manual for Institutional Review of Sri Lankan Universities and Higher Education Institutions
• Criteria for Appointment of Members to University Councils
• University Student Charter
• Guidelines to curb the menace of ragging
• Transfers & Transfer Application Downloads
• Application for new Faculty/ Institute /Dept./Centre/Degree/Dip
• Calling applications for UGC – Griffith University, Australia (GU) Full/Joint PhD Scholarship programme 2023
• The Chulabhorn Graduate Institute , Thailand - Postgraduate Scholarships 2023
• Scholarships offered by Thai Higher Education Institutions for International Students in Academic Year - 2022
• Calling application for the UGC Sri Lanka - International University of Japan PhD/Masters Programme - 2019
• Financial Assistance from AHEAD Operation to University Teachers for Doctoral Studies
• Commonwealth Medical Fellowships in the United Kingdom - 2018
• Nalini Madugalle Scholarships Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2016/2017
• University Grants Commission Scholarships Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2016/2017
• Kathleen Doris Weerasooriya Scholarship Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2016/2017
• Sri Lanka America Society Scholarship Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2016/2017
• Mrs. Maggie Mendis Scholarship Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2016/2017
• Calling applications for the UGC Sri Lanka - International University of Japan PhD/Masters Programme [Closing Date : 15.03.2018]
• Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarships [09.02.2018]
• Course Programme 2018 for Master Programmes and Advanced Course
• Scholarships offered by Macedonia [Closing Date : 16.06.2017]
• Calling applications for the Sri Lanka - QUT Joint/Split PhD Programme [Deadline : 30.06.2017]
• Calling for applications for the Elite PhD Scholars' Programme with Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia - 2017 [Deadline : 30.06.2017]
• UNESCO/ISEDC Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme - 2017 [Closing Date :17.04.2017]
• Australian Awards Scholarships 2018 for Masters Degrees [Closing Date : 30.04.2017]
• Nalini Madugalle Scholarships Scheme for University Entrants for the Academic Year 2015/2016  [Closing Date : 10.03.2017]
• Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholarships  [Closing Date :10.03.2017]
• Financial assistance from UGC to University Teachers for Higher Studies - 2017
• Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships in the United Kingdom - 2016

Sri Lanka: Progress and Remaining Challenges in Online Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

B.Sc Degree Programme Academic Year 2021/2022 - Open University of Sri Lanka

Quick Links

Special links.

Copyright © 2024 University Grants Commission - Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved.

Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU/GPL License. -->

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

Education System of Sri Lanka: Strengths and Weaknesses

Related Papers

European Journal of Educational Science

Education system plays a very crucial role in any country towards achieving a sustainable development and strengthening social, cultural, historical and integral development, and is often called as the back born of the society. Producing competent graduate, professional or technical expert and a responsible citizen enriched with social and cultural values, which eventually enhances the quality of a country’s workforce, is one of the ways the education system contributes to the development of a country. Giving the due recognition to the importance of the education system that paves the way for integral development of a country, some countries have practiced and promotes a free education policy. The purpose of this paper is to explore the salient features and its evolution of the free education system in Sri Lanka and its emerging challenges for policy makers. This paper also aims at suggesting alternative strategies to overcome the challenges that are emerging from the changing global market context by pooling of views and ideas of academics and other experts in the field of education. This study expects to suggest alternative strategies to overcome the emerging issues in the free education system that would add value to the policy makers to objectively develop future strategies and policies relating to the education system of the country. In order to achieve the aforesaid objective, this study explores the existing literature relating to education systems and experts’ views and authors’ own experience as academics. This study demonstrates that the Sri Lankan education system requires an urgent reform to revise on a holistic approach to address emerging issues in the areas of policy making level, implementation level and supervisory and regulatory level. This study recommends providing annually a six percent from the GDP for the state education, eliminating disparities between rural and urban popular schools, timely revision of general school curriculum in order to make it best fit the changing world, promoting student centered and participatory learning environment, protecting the higher education right of the qualified students who are not absorbed by the state universities and protecting and enhancing the economic, career and social 2 welfare of the school teachers as the key areas that the policy makers must pay their close and urgent attention.

Mariano Gutierrez Alarcon

In order to develop an effective strategy for Sri Lanka it is key to contemplate the origins of the conflict in order to assess the most efficient type of intervention required in the future. At first glance, the Sri Lanka civil war is an ethnic-religious conflict between the Sinhalese Buddhist and the Tamils Hindus that can be described as a “clash of civilizations” (Novelli, 2008). In the mid 18th century with the British rule, Tamils considered with better education were introduced into government functions of the island generating further tensions as Sinhalese people see themselves as the original inhabitants of the island and Sri Lanka as a holy Buddhist land. Tamils are seen with suspicion due to the large community of Tamils in India. Another elements in the conflict are the “structural inequalities” (Novelli, 2008) between Tamils and Sinhalese that were added to the conflictive scenario when Tamils of lower caste were brought in as labour for the tea plantations. This understanding of the Sri Lankan conflict helps to articulate and balance the best types of interventions and strategies. For example, while “educational policy intervention” should naturally be “targeted at addressing the cultural obstacles and differences that divide ‘civilizational’ groups” to address cultural unbalances and curricula; an educational policy that brings all the experience and programs used in education and poverty it is also needed to address the consequences of more than 30 years of civil war on the economy and the population in general (Novelli, 2008).

Angela Little

Muallim Journal of Social Science and Humanities,

Fareed Mohamed Nawastheen

The purpose this article is to explore of the current educational practices of Sri Lanka and to review the curriculum changes over the years in the country. To achieve this purpose, a review of literature was conducted in order to reveal the current educational practices and curriculum changes in Sri Lanka. Main findings of the paper were that there were number of significant changes in the educational system time to time, the intended goals of the changes had failed due to the lack of readiness of the stakeholders especially the teachers in the system. The aspects which are discussed in this paper would benefit to the prospective researchers to get to know the educational practices of Sri Lanka and could to compare these aspects with those of their own countries.

Indira Ginige

Sri Lanka Education Sector Assessment: Achievements, Challenges, and Policy Options

Benoit Millot

Thilini Cate

Online Submission

Subhashinie Wijesundera

This chapter analysed the primary school teachers' perceptions on proposed primary education reforms in 1997. Teachers generally viewed the reforms favourably and had some reservations about a few proposals. They also pointed out resource constraints and need to receive better training in implementing proposed reforms.

Jacques Hallak

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019 --> Last Updated : 2024-05-15 20:09:00

Group News Sites

Sunday Times

Tamil Mirror

Middleast Lankadeepa

Life Online

Home delivery

Advertise with us

Mobile Apps

Wed, 15 May 2024 Today's Paper

Army Commander obtains order against YouTube channel under Online Safety Act

15 May 2024 05:24 pm - 0     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today issued a conditional order preventing a YouTube channel from publishing and communicating defamatory information against Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, under the newly enacted Online Safety Act.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued a conditional order in favour of the Army Commander in terms of Section 24 (1) and Section 24 (2) of the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024 and directed that the order be communicated to the respondents Lanka V news-YouTube Channel and its owner Thushara Saliya Ranawaka.

The petitioner alleged that the respondents had uploaded malicious and defamatory video contents and statements against him in a manner threatening the country’s national security. 

The respondent parties were ordered to show cause under Section 24(6) of the Act. 

Senior Counsel Shiraz Noordeen appeared for the Petitioner.

  Comments - 0

Add comment Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Name - Reply Comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul

Most Viewed in News

Foreigner injured after falling from lotus tower.

Sri Lanka face unusual dilemma

Not only on-arrival visas but online visas too should be stopped

VFS Global is here to stay for at least 12 years, says Tiran

Racism, body-shaming fly high with Air Belgium crew against SriLankan staff

On-arrival visa fiasco drains VFS Global’s confidence in Sri Lanka

MIRROR CRICKET

Shakib and Hasaranga share top spot in T20 all-rounder rankings

5 hours ago - 0     - 515

Nisala steers Sri Lanka ‘A’ to easy win

14 May 2024 - 2     - 125

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

14 May 2024 - 2     - 1214

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

14 May 2024 - 2     - 493

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Environmental leaders of tomorrow.

15 May 2024

IGP Tennakoon elected as National President of International Police Association Sri Lanka

Arrested with deer horns and guns, air force commander engages in strategic talks at air and space power conference 2024 in australia.

5 hours ago

14 May 2024

Partner Content

Navigating the digital era with sustainable bss solutions, revolutionizing township connectivity: fast and affordable community broadband, nokia corteca: adding more value and creating new broadband revenues, mwc24: huawei’s leon wang discusses net 5.5g, mwc24: intracom telecom's sotiris bithas discusses sustainability, ai, and analytics, huawei expects to see key role for sub-3ghz fdd bands in the 5.5g era, white papers, new whitepaper: cybersecurity driving enterprise 5g adoption, understanding cx requirements digital transformation will address, zte releases b5g technology whitepaper at 5g summit, webinars & videos, mwc24: dito ceo eric alberto on digital strategy in the philippines, mwc24: intracom telecom's john tenidis on gigabit fixed wireless access, zte's li hongyu on the world's first 5g & ai 3d tablet, sri lanka plans to let independent firms build telecoms towers.

The Sri Lanka government is reportedly making moves to amend the country’s telecoms laws to allow independent companies to build telecoms towers.

Under the current Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Act, towers can only be built by licenced telecoms operators. A report from EconomyNext, quoting State Technology Minister Kanaka Herath, said the government has tabled amendments that include opening the tower business to third parties.

According to the report, Herath said that the amendments are needed to speed up tower rollouts to meet government targets.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) aims to build 276 towers to boost mobile broadband connectivity and support the rollout of 5G, both of which are needed to help facilitate the government’s plan to expand the country’s digital economy to US$15 billion by 2030.

However, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has forced telcos to slash their budgets for tower construction. Consequently, only 50 towers were constructed in 2023, while another 150 towers are supposed to be built this year, the report said.

Herath said the government wants to allow third parties to build towers “so that it will develop faster than we have right now,” the report said.

Herath said that parliament is expected to debate the amendments within two months.

If the amendments pass, it could open up another market for regional and global tower companies that have seen tremendous growth in the past few years as telcos divest their tower assets.

Axiata Group’s Edotco already has a foot in the market, having established a local subsidiary there in 2015. The company has been installing passive infrastructure like “smart street poles” that can host small cells for multiple tenants. It has also partnered with Hutch Lanka and sister telco Dialog Axiata for trials involving Open RAN and stanadlone 5G, respectively. 

MORE ARTICLES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN...

Sign-up to our weekly newsletter

Follow us on Social Media

• Education News

RPSC Assistant Professor exam 2024: Check exam pattern, marking scheme and last-minute revision tips

Visual Stories