What is Sri Lanka education system?

The education system in Sri Lanka is structured into several stages, and it is primarily based on the British education system due to Sri Lanka's colonial history. The education system in Sri Lanka can be broadly categorized into the following stages

Primary Education

• Primary education in Sri Lanka covers grades 1 to 5 and typically caters to children between the ages of 5 to 11.

Secondary Education

• Secondary education in Sri Lanka includes two main stages:

1. Junior Secondary (grades 6-9): During this stage, students receive a general education that includes a range of subjects.
2.  Senior Secondary (grades 10-11): At this stage, students prepare for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) examination.
   

 

General Certificate of Education (GCE) O/L Examination

• This is a national examination that students take at the end of their senior secondary education. Successful completion of the O/L examination is a prerequisite for further education.

Advanced Level (A/L) Examination

• After passing the GCE O/L examination, students can choose between the Arts or Science streams for their A/L studies.

• The GCE A/L examination is a crucial qualification for university entrance.

Tertiary Education

• Tertiary education in Sri Lanka includes universities, technical colleges, and vocational training institutes.

• The University of Colombo, the University of Peradeniya, and the University of Kelaniya are some of the prominent universities in the country.

• Vocational and technical education is also available for those who want to pursue practical skills and careers.

Higher Education

• Sri Lanka has a growing number of universities and higher education institutions that offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

Technical and Vocational Education

• Sri Lanka offers vocational and technical education through institutions like the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) and the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET).

It's advisable to consult the latest sources, such as government or educational institution websites, for the most up-to-date information on the Sri Lankan education system.

What is Sri Lanka education system?

1. Primary Education
Structure: Primary education covers Grades 1 to 5.
Ages: Children typically enter primary school around the age of 5 or 6.
Curriculum: The curriculum includes subjects such as Sinhala/Tamil, English, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science, Social Studies, and Religious Studies.
Examinations: The Grade 5 Scholarship Examination is a significant milestone at the end of primary education.


2. Secondary Education
Structure: Secondary education covers Grades 6 to 13.
Ages: Students enter secondary school around the age of 11 or 12.
Medium of Instruction: Education is offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
Curriculum: The curriculum becomes more specialized, and students take the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination (O/L) at the end of Grade 11 and the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination (A/L) at the end of Grade 13.
Streams: Students choose a specific stream (Arts, Commerce, Science, Technology) for A/L studies based on their career aspirations.


3. Technical and Vocational Education
Technical and vocational education options are available at both secondary and tertiary levels.
Vocational subjects may include areas like agriculture, business studies, and information technology.


4. University Education
Sri Lanka has several universities, including the University of Colombo, University of Peradeniya, and University of Moratuwa.
Undergraduate programs typically last three to four years, and admission is based on A/L examination results.


5. Teacher Training
There are institutions dedicated to teacher training, including the National Colleges of Education.


6. Technical and Higher Education Institutes
Technical and Higher Education Institutes offer diploma and degree programs in various fields.


7. Open University of Sri Lanka
The Open University of Sri Lanka provides opportunities for distance and blended learning at the tertiary level.


8. International Collaboration
Sri Lankan universities engage in international collaborations, and there are exchange programs with foreign universities.


9. Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Tertiary education institutions play a role in continuous learning and professional development through workshops, seminars, and executive education programs.


10. Language of Instruction 

- English is often used as a medium of instruction in tertiary education, particularly in fields such as science, technology, and business.