Education in Sri Lanka π€
Sri Lanka provides free education to all students from primary school through to the university level. The country maintains one of the highest literacy rates in South Asia, with over 92% of adults being able to read and write. Schooling is compulsory for all children, typically starting at age 5 and continuing until age 16. The system is organized into primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and collegiate levels. Students sit for two major national exams: the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) and the Advanced Level (A/L). Lessons are conducted in three main languages: Sinhala, Tamil, and English, depending on the school. In 2026, the government began introducing new reforms to focus more on practical skills and digital learning. Most students wear a traditional white uniform, which is a iconic symbol of the Sri Lankan school system.