To Commemorate the International Day of Education
Dr. Ajith Perera - University Lecturer and English Education Consultant
As the world commemorates the Annual International Day of Education, Sri Lanka finds itself at a critical juncture, poised for a decade of sustainable and transformative reforms. Contemporary national discourse reflects heightened civic engagement, with education emerging as a central concern across diverse segments of society.
In alignment with global benchmarks, Sri Lanka is implementing the National Education Policy Framework, which prioritizes digital transformation, the strengthening of STEM and English proficiency, enhanced teacher development, and expanded early childhood care. However, achieving these objectives requires a clear understanding of the structural and historical barriers that have constrained progress. Public confidence plays a decisive role in this process, as a supportive societal outlook fosters investment, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. Such conditions nurture “academic optimism”- a combination of institutional trust, collective efficacy, and high expectations – which is widely recognized as a determinant of educational success. These reforms are therefore essential not only for modernisation but also for improving the quality, relevance, and equity of education in response to evolving global demands.
The significance of this occasion is underscored by the United Nations General Assembly’s establishment of the International Day of Education on December 3, 2018, reaffirming education as a fundamental human right and a foundation for peace and sustainable development. The observance directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
While January 24 serves as a symbolic milestone, education must be viewed as a continuous and lifelong pursuit. Beyond institutional boundaries, education functions as a transformative force that cultivates tolerance, innovation, and social progress. The development of creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills is therefore indispensable for preparing a 21st-century workforce capable of addressing complex and unprecedented challenges. These competencies underpin economic innovation, support evidence-based decision-making, and enable societies to adapt to rapid technological change, thereby enhancing national competitiveness and overall well-being.
Reaching international standards requires a multifaceted strategy that integrates global best practices with local realities. Sri Lanka can advance this objective by modernising curricula to emphasise STEM, creativity, and problem-solving; reforming assessment systems; and strengthening public–private partnerships in higher education. Transitioning from rote memorisation to skills-based learning, improving teacher training, and leveraging digital technologies to expand equitable access are critical components of this approach. The development of regional education hubs would further enhance the country’s international standing.
Education also plays a decisive role in enabling developing countries to meet global standards by transforming human capital, fostering innovation, and aligning workforce skills with international labor market demands. It is a key driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, and productivity enhancement. By strengthening vocational and technical education, addressing skills mismatches, and aligning curricula with industry needs, education can improve graduate employability and facilitate access to high-value employment, thereby breaking cycles of low productivity and poverty.
As Sri Lanka seeks a new phase of national development through educational reforms, it must also adopt internationally recognised standards in pedagogy, technology integration, and quality assurance. The establishment of standardised testing and accreditation systems aligned with global benchmarks is essential for monitoring educational quality and ensuring international competitiveness. Moreover, investing in the education of girls and women yields substantial social and economic returns, including improved health outcomes, increased labour force participation, and broader societal advancement. Inclusive education that integrates differently abled children into mainstream systems further ensures the optimal utilisation of national talent.
Investment in early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and improved long-term employment outcomes. Elevating the professional status of teachers through competitive remuneration and continuous professional development is equally critical to improving learning outcomes. Evidence also demonstrates that mother-tongue instruction in early grades enhances literacy and facilitates effective second-language acquisition. In this context, the expansion of English education from the preschool level represents a strategic contribution to workforce development and nation-building.
Holistic education broadens perspectives, fosters adaptability, and cultivates informed and engaged citizens. An educated population is better equipped to challenge misinformation, demand accountability, and resist corruption, thereby strengthening democratic governance and creating a stable environment for investment. Education also promotes tolerance and social cohesion, which are particularly vital for societies recovering from conflict or fragility. To sustain these outcomes, consistent funding and effective public–private partnerships are necessary to address gaps in infrastructure and resources.
Ultimately, equitable access to quality education strengthens human rights awareness, alleviates poverty, and empowers individuals and communities. The International Day of Education serves as a call to action for governments and institutions to prioritise education within policy frameworks and resource allocation, with particular attention to marginalised populations. Education is not merely a means of individual advancement; it is a catalyst for social cohesion, peace, and resilience. Investing in education is, therefore, an investment in the nation’s future and a prerequisite for inclusive and sustainable development.
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