Sri Lanka’s free education system is often hailed as a model for developing nations, providing universal access to education without direct cost to students. From its inception in 1945, the state education system has been seen as a fundamental right, promoting social equality and economic mobility. However, as the years have gone by, this system has come under significant scrutiny. Students are increasingly disgruntled, expressing confusion and frustration with a system that, while offering education to all, has become increasingly difficult to navigate.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Free Education
In theory, Sri Lanka's free education system offers a powerful promise: education from primary through tertiary levels is provided without fees. The government covers the costs of public schools, and even university education is nominally free for students who pass rigorous entrance exams. This structure has contributed to a remarkable rise in literacy rates, which stood at 92.38% in 2020 teachers. sl . However, this idealized image belies several systemic flaws.
