Business
SL’s education sector, ‘key battleground for long term economic recovery’
By Ifham Nizam
As Sri Lanka faces the aftershocks of multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn and the Easter Sunday attacks, the country’s education sector has become a key battleground for securing long-term economic recovery, according to Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Research Fellow Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne.
In an expert panel discussion recently in Colombo, IPS stakeholders explored the critical role of education in building a skilled workforce, while also highlighting the immense challenges that must be addressed to turn education into a catalyst for growth.
Weeraratne said that with Sri Lanka suffering a negative growth rate of 6.7% by the third quarter of 2023, the labour market remains one of the hardest-hit areas.
Weeraratne added: “As wages stagnate, the incentive for workers to improve their skills or seek better employment dwindles, feeding into a cycle of low productivity. Thus crisis management has prompted emergency measures, like the five-year no-pay leave policy for public sector employees.” However, she explained that these are short-term fixes that do not address the deeper structural issues plaguing the labour market.
Weeraratne stressed that education is seen as a powerful tool to break this cycle, but the sector itself has been grappling with severe disruptions and underfunding, she said, adding that Sri Lanka’s education system is crucial in fostering productivity and innovation, but it faces serious hurdles.
Her presentation delved into the many challenges facing education. From the 2019 Easter bomb attacks to the pandemic and ongoing economic crises, these external pressures have led to a decrease in education investments, depreciating resources, and the adoption of outdated approaches that struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labour market.
IPS, Director of Research, Dr. Nisha Arunatilake said that one alarming statistic revealed that while 97% of children aged 5 to 16 are enrolled in school, a significant proportion—especially those with special needs or from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds—are left behind. After the compulsory education age of 16, participation drops drastically, with only 63% qualifying for advanced level exams and just 20% attending university due to capacity issues.
She noted that Sri Lanka’s education system is ill-equipped to handle the demands of an evolving job market driven by technological change. `The need for highly skilled workers is growing, but 65% of 20 to 24-year-olds are not engaged in any form of education, leading to a poorly skilled workforce. While the government has made efforts to introduce vocational training, these programs have not scaled up sufficiently to address the needs of the economy.’
Worse still, she said, the quality of education is lagging. A 2019 study by NEREC revealed that students’ English and mathematics skills are well below international standards. Students scored an average of just 34% in English and a dismal 20% in mathematics, signaling a serious gap in the education system’s ability to prepare children for a globalized, technology-driven future.
Arunatilake added: `Compounding the issue is the unequal allocation of resources across Sri Lanka’s education system. Elite schools receive the majority of well-trained teachers, while rural schools, which often serve lower-income families, suffer from poor staffing and inadequate resources. Meanwhile, policy inconsistency—driven by frequent changes in education ministers and short-term priorities—has stymied long-term progress.’
‘Given the current economic constraints, while increasing funding is ideal, it is not feasible in the short term. Instead, innovative low-cost solutions could offer a way forward. Examples could be given from Pakistan, where technology is being leveraged to provide education to children with special needs and virtual labs are being used in rural areas to deliver hands-on learning experiences.
‘Stronger governance and better allocation of resources are needed. Sri Lanka’s education system has suffered from weak policy implementation and political interference. Improving governance, addressing resource inequalities, and strengthening disaster risk management are among the key recommendations.
‘While Sri Lanka’s education system faces formidable challenges, it remains a pivotal force in rebuilding the nation’s economy. If the government can implement effective reforms and tap into technological solutions, the country could better equip its youth with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and globalized world.’
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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