Education Sector

The government of Sri Lanka has given high priority towards the development of the education sector. This encompasses primary to tertiary education as well as vocational training. The country aspires to be a global knowledge hub. UNESCO provides Definitions, Standards and Norms for the Education sector through the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO. It also provides comparative global and regional data and statistics on education enabling informed decision-making to enhance the quality of education in Sri Lanka.

The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report on “Education for All” is launched nationally each year in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The establishment of the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD) as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in Meepe, Sri Lanka makes a strong contribution to the government initiative to improve the quality of Education. UNESCO continues to support other government initiatives on human resource development such as improvement of ICT Skills, enhancement of inclusive education and social cohesion, promotion of education for peace and sustainable development, as well as enhancement of early childhood care and education. In addition, the fullest cooperation of SLNCU is given to the promotion of English language teaching as a link language. Capacity building and human resource development opportunities are provided to suitable personnel in education and higher education sectors to improve the quality of service. Expert assistance and technical cooperation for the development of quality of Education are provided as and when requests for such assistance are made.

South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD)

UNESCO Scholarship Fund

UNESCO Scholarship Fund was established through an Act, No.44 of 1999 of Parliament with the intension to provide financial assistance to disabled and displaced children in Sri Lanka.

This Fund has been established under the National Commission for UNESCO within the Ministry of Education. It is being governed by a Board of Management as per the Act, and in accordance with Article (3) (2) (a) of the said Act, the Secretary of the Ministry in Charge of Education Chairs this Board.

In October 2017, we commenced to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs.2,000/- to 34 schooling children without parents and/or disabled through this Fund until they complete their school education.

Green through Cricket

'Green through Cricket' aims to raise awareness about Climate Change through Cricket. Awareness programmes are to be conducted nationwide by university students complemented by symbolic tree planting events.

In line with the 'Cricket World Cup 2019', the programme was launched with a symbolic tree planting event on the 15th of June 2015.

Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO plays the role of coordinating tree-planting events with UNESCO ASPnet schools.

For more information visit the website

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