World Bank support for education in Sri Lanka Half a million students, 150,000 teachers to benefit

By Huzefa Aliasger

An estimated 500,000 students and 150,000 teachers across Sri Lanka are set to benefit from a new $50 million additional financing package approved by the World Bank through its ongoing General Education Modernisation Project, the World Bank said in a press release.  

The General Education Modernisation Project, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Education and Provincial Authorities of Education, launched in 2018, is helping primary and secondary education by improving teaching, learning, and school management. It focuses on key areas like boosting English and math skills, strengthening teacher development, and improving school health and nutrition.  

According to the World Bank, the project has helped improve English and mathematics skills of students in rural areas, expand digital learning material, upgrade school facilities and equipment, and deliver school-based teacher development programmes, contributing to more equitable access to quality education across Sri Lanka and benefiting all 10,000 schools in the country.  

The World Bank says, “The additional funding will help keep vital education reforms on track, improve teaching quality, upgrade school facilities, and enhance student well-being, with a strong focus on underserved schools, including those in the plantation communities and those supporting children with special needs. Schools across all nine provinces, regardless of grade level, are expected to benefit from this support.”  

“This support is about making sure every child in Sri Lanka has the chance to learn in a safe, inclusive environment and that every teacher has the tools they need to help their students thrive,” said David Sislen, World Bank Divisional Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.