The Ministry of Education fund allocation for the year 2017 has been increased by threefold in comparison to the allocation in 2014. Over 10,000 government schools will benefit from this increased allocation mainly focused towards providing basic needs. Rs. 61 billion will be utilised in implementing these projects this year.

Moving towards becoming the Education Hub of South Asia by 2020, the government is looking to provide basic facilities such as desk and chairs, electricity, sanitation and water to 1500 schools in 2017 with an additional allocation of Rs. 7000 million.

The proposed investments into education will address the issue of poor infrastructure, teacher training, curricula development and most importantly, reforms that are targeted at ensuring zero drop outs, mandatory education for 13 years and expanding the options for students to continue into higher education.

The Ministry of Finance has also introduced a free health insurance policy worth Rs. 200,000 per annum for over 4.5 million school-going children from the age of five to nineteen. Rs. 2700 million has been assigned towards this and will be provided to students from both government and private schools. Sri Lankan students continue to reap the benefits of the free education system introduced in 1948 and the free health insurance cover is a continuation of the government’s commitment in ensuring all children have access to a free education system. The student welfare programme currently includes distribution of free text books, uniforms, nutritional mid-day meal and a pair of shoes to needy children and a glass of milk to needy students in the primary classes.

For more information on the educational landscape in Sri Lanka or on UK educational opportunities in Sri Lanka please contact Chamath Peiris – Manager Higher Education & Education Services and cc to   siemsouthasia@britishcouncil.org