Sri Lanka plans major education changes, including single university application system

The government has announced three major developments in Sri Lanka’s education reform programme, including the approval of a new curriculum framework, policy-level approval for a Rs. 96 billion school digitalisation project and plans to introduce a unified higher education admissions system.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced the developments during a meeting with the Voluntary Advisory Council of the Ministry of Education at Parliament on Oct. 9.

1. New curriculum and student assessment framework

The Cabinet has approved the Concept Paper on Education Reforms prepared by the National Education Commission, the revised National Curriculum Framework submitted by the National Institute of Education and the Student Assessment Framework for Grades 1 to 11.

The assessment framework for G.C.E. Advanced Level students is still being developed.

2. Rs. 96 billion school digitalisation projec

A five-year project proposal worth Rs. 96 billion to develop digital education in schools has received policy-level approval.

The broader policy on education sector digitalisation has also been submitted to the President and is expected to be presented to the Cabinet.

Officials said guidelines on online safety and digital well-being have been developed for students across five grade groups, with a pilot project scheduled for November and full implementation planned for early 2027.

3. Single application system for higher education from 2028

The government plans to introduce a unified admissions system allowing students who complete their G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations to apply for universities, National Colleges of Education and vocational training institutions through a single platform.

The University Grants Commission and other relevant institutions have been instructed to develop the policy, with a pilot project expected to begin in 2028.

The Prime Minister said the initiative would address administrative difficulties faced by students who currently have to submit separate applications to different institutions.

Meanwhile, Cabinet approval has also been granted for a report on establishing an Education Council and a policy to regulate non-state degree-awarding institutions.

The meeting also discussed teacher recruitment, transfers, school sanitation facilities, student nutrition and reforms to technical and vocational education, including the use of artificial intelligence and expanded industry-based training. (Newswire)

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