A growing number of school dropouts, disruptions to examinations, and declining parental confidence in the school system have emerged as major obstacles to achieving Sri Lanka’s education targets, according to a 2025 Progress Report issued by the Ministry of Education.

The report highlights that the percentage of students leaving school before completing the mandatory 13 years of education is on the rise, posing a serious concern for the country’s long-term educational and social development.

One of the key reasons identified is the uneven distribution of human and physical resources across schools, which has contributed to a breakdown of trust among parents in the state education system. Despite Sri Lanka’s long-standing policy of providing free education from primary school to university, parents continue to shoulder a significant financial burden related to their children’s education.

The ministry also noted that the irregular school calendar, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, led to delays in holding examinations on time. These disruptions further strained the education system, although authorities say efforts are now underway to gradually restore normal school operations and examination schedules.

Another pressing issue outlined in the report is the large number of unfilled vacancies within the education sector, despite ongoing recruitment efforts.

To address these challenges and improve students’ living and learning standards, the ministry continues to provide free educational benefits, including textbooks, stationery, school uniforms, shoes, midday meals, and insurance coverage for students in general education.

The report also drew attention to a mismatch between labour market needs, particularly in agriculture, industry, and services, and the education currently provided, highlighting the need for curriculum reforms aligned with economic demands.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education plans to introduce new education reforms for Grade 1 and Grade 6 in the coming year, while preparatory work is underway for curriculum reforms for Grade 2 and Grade 7. Printing learning modules for the second and third school terms, along with teacher training programmes for the upcoming reforms scheduled for implementation in 2026, are among the ministry’s key targets.

Other priorities for 2026 include strengthening primary education, creating a more inclusive learning environment, expanding co-curricular activities, improving school infrastructure, and reinforcing the regulatory framework governing education.