Sri Lanka education system | Education

The education system in Sri Lanka is based on the British education system due to its colonial history. It is primarily divided into four main stages: primary education, secondary education, higher education, and tertiary education. Here's an overview of each stage:

1. Primary Education: 

Primary education in Sri Lanka lasts for five years, starting from age five. It includes grades 1 to 5 and aims to provide students with a fundamental education in subjects such as language (Sinhala, Tamil, or English), mathematics, science, social studies, and religion.

2. Secondary Education: 

Secondary education in Sri Lanka is divided into two stages: lower secondary and upper secondary education.

• a. Lower Secondary Education: This stage covers grades 6 to 9, and students follow a curriculum that includes core subjects such as languages (Sinhala, Tamil, or English), mathematics, science, social studies, and optional subjects like art, music, or technology. .
• b. Upper Secondary Education: Upper secondary education consists of two years, commonly known as the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level). Students typically specialize in specific subjects and prepare for university entrance exams during this stage.

3. Higher Education: 

Higher education in Sri Lanka is provided by universities, technical colleges, and other higher education institutions. Universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in various disciplines, while technical colleges focus on vocational training and technical education.

4. Tertiary Education: 

Tertiary education in Sri Lanka encompasses postgraduate studies and professional training. Universities offer master's and doctoral degree programs for students pursuing advanced studies in their respective fields. Additionally, professional institutions provide specialized training for professions such as medicine, engineering, law, and management.

It's worth noting that English is widely used in Sri Lanka's education system, particularly in higher education and urban areas. However, the medium of instruction in primary and secondary education is typically Sinhala or Tamil, depending on the medium of the school.

The Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka oversees the education system and sets educational policies, while various examination boards administer national examinations such as the GCE O-Level and GCE A-Level exams.