How to Improve Back to School Programme in Sri Lanka

Back to school programme which is also known as the catch-up programme is a great initiative by the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the Compulsory Education Policy. Yet back to school programme has not been able to yield the expected results.

Literacy Rates of Sri Lanka Do Not Reflect Quality of Education

Education is a key factor that contributes towards shaping the future generation of the country. Education does not mean the literacy rates we have achieved. Education should be the means to develop the total personality of young generation which should include initiative, creativity, discipline, team spirit, cultural values, religious values, respect and tolerance for others.

Sri Lanka boast of 92% literacy rate, 98% of the population completing primary education and 88% of the population completing secondary education in 2007 according to the 2009 Human Development Report. Yet the issues of unemployment, youth unrest, civil violence and poverty level of the country indicates that the country has not been able to deliver quality education that contributes towards total personality development.

Does all Children have Equal Access to Education in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka boasts about the free education system in the country and high levels of literacy rates. No doubt they are great achievements. It is not only free access to education institutions including Universities that have contributed towards achievement of high levels in the Human Development Index, free text books, free uniforms, free mid-day meal for children in primary school, IT facilities and recreation facilities in schools, catch up classes are some of the initiatives to promote free quality education that we should appreciate.

Yet, does this education system ensure equal access to education for all children?