Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus (Covid 19)!

Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus  (Covid 19)!

Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus  (Covid 19)!

Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus  (Covid 19)!

The evolution of the education system in Sri Lanka after gaining independence in 1948, highlighting key reforms and their impact

 

1.Free Education Policy (1945)

Introduced by C.W.W. Kannangara, this initiative aimed to provide free education to all, ensuring educational opportunities across all communities.

 

2.Government Responsibility for Education (Post-1948)

Following independence, education became a full responsibility of the government, leading to efforts to improve the educational structure.

 

3.Impact of the Sinhala Only Act (1956)

The declaration of Sinhala as the sole official language led to the neglect of the Tamil language in education and affected linguistic equality in the education system.

 

4.Nationalization of Schools (1972)

Private schools were brought under government control, aiming to promote equality in education.

 

5.1978- New Curriculum Reforms

Introduction of New Curriculum Reforms, including technology, computer science, vocational subjects, and practical-oriented subjects.

6.1985- Establishment of National Colleges of Education

Establishment of National Colleges of Education.

 

7.1987-Devolution of educational authority to Provincial Councils through the 13th Amendment, aiming to bring education closer to the people.

 

8.1997- Competency-Based Curriculum (CBT)

Introduction of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBT) focused on improving student performance.

 

9.2000- Inclusive Education

Implementation of Inclusive Education, promoting equality for students of all abilities.

 

10.2005- IT & Computer Education

Introduction of IT & Computer Education as a subject, making computer science compulsory in schools for the first time.

 

11.2008 - Introduction of Smart Classrooms and ICT-facilitated learning

 

 

12. 2010 Outcome-Based Education

The Implementation of Outcome-Based Education for Grades 1-13.

 

13.2015: Curriculum reforms

 Integrated soft skills, leadership, and creativity.

 

14.2020- Online Learning

 COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of distance learning via platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, initiating online learning and digital transformation for teachers and students.

 

15.2023- Hybrid Learning

 The Ministry of Education began promoting Hybrid Learning.

 

1.Free Education Policy (1945)

 

The Free Education Policy in Sri Lanka and the C.W.W.Kannangara Report (also known as Mustapha Education Reforms).

The Free Education Policy, proposed in 1945 based on the Kannangara Report and implemented in 1947, provides education free of charge from primary to university level.

The Kannangara Report introduced significant reforms in Sri Lankan education, including the establishment of Central Schools for quality education across all regions.

Key Features of the Policy

·        Merit-based selection.

·        Equal opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity.

·        Equal opportunities for religion,or social background.

·        The provision of essential resources like books, uniforms, and transportation free of charge.

 

Objectives

·        Aims to provide equal educational opportunities for all.

·        Establish social justice and equality.

·        Eradicate poverty, promote social development.

·        Foster human resource development.

 

Features

·        Includes free education from age 5 to university

·        Free textbooks and uniforms

·        School meal programs

·        Educational resources and transportation facilities

·        Student scholarships and welfare assistance.

 

 

 

Benefits

·        Leads to increased enrollment rates,especially for rural students

·        Promotes women's education

·        Enhances employment skills among youth.

·        Facilitates social change through improved quality of life.

 

Challenges

·        Faces issues such as disparities in educational quality between urban and rural areas

·        Inadequate school infrastructure

·        Teacher shortages

·        Lack of technological facilities.

 

2.Impact of the Sinhala Only Act (1956)

Education sector of Sri Lanka following the 1956 general election under S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike's government.

Key changes and their impacts include:

ü Sinhala Only Act (1956)

This act greatly increased the importance of the Sinhala language in education, leading to difficulties for Tamil-speaking students and negative reactions from the Tamil community, particularly regarding syllabi and government examinations being conducted solely in Sinhala.

 

ü Impact of Linguistic Division

The linguistic divide led to decreased educational equality between Sinhala and Tamil communities and negatively affected educational opportunities for Tamils.

 

ü Changes in Traditional Curricula

New subjects promoting national identity, such as traditional history, Buddhism, and ethics, were increasingly incorporated into the curriculum.

 

ü Development of Basic Education

Educational facilities were improved, especially in rural areas.

 

3. Private and missionary schools were brought under government control

A significant educational reform implemented in 1960.

Objective

To promote equal educational opportunities for all students and prevent the deterioration of education standards in private schools.

Key Features

ü Private and missionary schools were brought under government control.

ü Education fees were abolished

ü Teacher appointments

ü  Curricula came under government regulation

Impact

This led to increased access to education for more students and the establishment of a standardized education system.

 

Consequences

While largely positive, it also resulted in a decline in quality in some areas and a reduction in the number of private educational institutions.

gnificant changes in education in Sri Lanka during the 1960s, primarily focusing on the nationalization of missionary schools.

 

Nationalization of Missionary Schools

A key educational reform in the 1960s involved bringing missionary schools, run by Catholic, Protestant, and other Christian organizations, under government control, marking the nationalization of schools.

 

Key Missionary Organizations

ü Several prominent missionary movements

ü American Ceylon Mission (ACM)(were involved in establishing schools)

ü Wesleyan Methodist Mission

ü Anglican Church Missionary Society (CMS)

ü Roman Catholic Mission

ü Salvation Army Mission

ü Baptist Mission.

Contributions of Missionaries

ü These organizations established many high-quality schools, particularly in the Northern, Eastern, and Central hill regions of Sri Lanka

ü Contributed significantly to education, medicine, social services

ü Women's education.

 

Impact of Nationalization

Following nationalization, these schools became government schools, the administrative autonomy of missionary organizations was reduced, and religious-based teaching was restricted. The establishment of "Central Colleges" in the 1950s also provided educational opportunities for rural students.

Central Colleges were introduced in Sri Lanka in 1943 as part of C.W.W. Kannangara's educational reforms.

Their primary objectives were to provide quality education for all under the free education policy, ensure quality education for both rural and urban students, and promote equality in education.

 

Key features of these colleges

ü Quality teachers

ü Science laboratories

ü libraries

ü Sports facilities.

 

 

List of important Central Colleges in Sri Lanka.

ü Madulkelle

ü Nalavaiya- Vavuniya

ü Anuradhapura

ü Kurunegala.

ü Mannar

ü Monaragala

ü Panduwasnuwara

ü Jaffna

ü Trincomalee

ü Badulla

 

The establishment of Central Colleges in Sri Lanka is a result of C.W.W. Kannangara's educational reforms and they remain important institutions for higher education today.

 

4. University Education

History and development of universities in Sri Lanka

The history of university education in Sri Lanka began in

1.1921

·        The Ceylon University College (Saliyagamuwa University College), which was the precursor to the University of Colombo and affiliated with the University of London.

 

2. 1942

·        The University of Ceylon, the first comprehensive university in Sri Lanka, was established in Peradeniya.

·        New universities, including those in Peradeniya, Kelaniya, and Jaffna, were subsequently created.

·        The initial university structure was formed through the efforts of C.W.W. Kannangara and Sir Ivor Jennings.

 

3.1972

 A restructuring based on Sinhala and Tamil languages led to the consolidation of universities under the name "University of Sri Lanka," which created administrative issues.

4. 1978

 Autonomous universities were re-established, including the University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, and Eastern University.

 

The document also lists 17 national universities operating under the Sri Lankan government.

17 universities in Sri Lanka and provides information about their recognition and status

There are 17 Sri Lankan universities recognized and regulated by the University Grants Commission.

These 17 universities were granted university status (University Charter) under the University Act No. 16 of 1978.

All listed universities are government universities in Sri Lanka.

A reference link is provided for more information about universities: https://www.mohe.gov.lk/index.php?Itemid=222&lang=en.

 

List of national universities in Sri Lanka operating under the government

1.     University of Colombo

2.     University of Peradeniya

3.     University of Sri Jayewardenepura

4.     University of Kelaniya

5.     University of Moratuwa

6.     University of Jaffna

7.     University of Ruhuna

8.     Eastern University, Sri Lanka

9.     South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

10.                        Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

11.                        Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

12.                        Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

13.                        Uva Wellassa University

14.                        University of Visual & Performing Arts

15.                        Open University of Sri Lanka

16.                        Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine

17.                        University of Vavuniya

Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus  (Covid 19)!