Contributor ENFP for: Sri Lanka
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education
This national policy review provides a detailed analysis of Sri Lanka’s educational policies and their alignment with the Erasmus+ programme. It offers official, first-hand information on the country’s engagement with Erasmus+ from 2021 to 2026, highlighting opportunities for improvement and identifying strategies to enhance integration and outcomes. Prepared and submitted by the Erasmus+ National Focal Point, this review contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation and to maximise the benefits of the Erasmus+ programme in Sri Lanka.
Reviews of policies, initiatives, projects and/or stakeholders
Sri Lanka has implemented key reforms and initiatives to enhance the quality, accessibility, and international alignment of its education and TVET sectors. Recent measures include education sector reforms introducing a learner-centred, module-based curriculum, development of a Transnational Education (TNE) policy, endorsement of the SAQRF, and steps to ratify the Tokyo and Global Conventions on qualification recognition with the planned establishment of a National Information Centre (NIC).
Key initiatives include the foreign scholarship programme for top A/L students, the Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme, and policies improving access and inclusion for students with disabilities. Leading projects such as the National Policy on TVET, the NVQ framework, the National Development Plan for TVET 2023–27, and the Skills Passport system demonstrate Sri Lanka’s strategic, multi-stakeholder approach to enhancing employability, skills development, and international cooperation in higher and vocational education.
Legislative reforms and/or policies that have been put in place in the last three years or that are still being discussed
Education Reforms-General Education sector
Sri Lanka is undertaking a comprehensive education reform agenda aimed at transforming its education system to be more learner-centred, inclusive, and aligned with 21st-century skills and labour market needs. The reform package, scheduled for phased implementation beginning in 2026, includes the introduction of a module-based curriculum with continuous assessment and a shift away from an exam-centric model, starting with Grades One and Six, and expanding across all levels by 2029. Efforts also focus on reducing classroom sizes, enhancing teacher training, strengthening infrastructure, and consolidating early childhood education under a unified curriculum framework. Broad stakeholder consultation mechanisms, including Parliamentary subcommittees and public engagement, have been established to ensure participatory policy development. These reforms are designed to improve learning outcomes, equity in access to quality education, and relevance to future employment, marking a strategic move towards a more flexible and skills-oriented national education system.
https://www.parliament.lk/en/home/parliament-news/view/4440
https://moe.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Education-Reforms-Sri-Lan…
Development of a Transnational Education (TNE) Policy
The Non-State Higher Education Section of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education is advancing the development of a Transnational Education (TNE) policy to strategically govern and enhance cross-border higher education partnerships and international programme delivery in Sri Lanka. Given the rapid growth of TNE, particularly partnerships with foreign universities that enable students to earn internationally accredited qualifications locally, there is a recognised need for a formalised policy framework to regulate entry requirements, institutional registration, quality assurance, and partnership standards. This policy initiative aims to ensure transparent oversight, protect student interests, and align TNE offerings with national higher education priorities and quality standards, contributing to the broader internationalisation and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.
Endorsement of SAQRF
The South Asia Qualifications Reference Framework (SAQRF) aims to improve the recognition and comparability of higher education and vocational qualifications across South Asian countries, supporting internationalisation, regional cooperation, and learner mobility. It aligns with the New Delhi Declaration on Education (2014) and the SAARC Framework for Action on Education 2030, which emphasise quality, accessibility, and mutual recognition of qualifications.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) provides technical assistance to develop and endorse the SAQRF, enabling the comparison of qualifications across countries and recognising formal, non-formal, and informal learning. In December 2023, Sri Lanka endorsed the SAQRF, and its SAQRF Referencing Report integrates the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) and National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQ) with regional reference levels, marking an important step towards broader regional and global qualification recognition.
https://www.mohe.gov.lk/images/pdf/Annual_Performance_Report_2024_Eng_1.pdf
Ratification of Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo Convention) and Global Convention - Currently in the Initiative stage
Sri Lanka has taken initial steps to ratify the Tokyo Convention and the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications, including plans to establish a National Information Centre (NIC) for the recognition of higher education qualifications. These efforts will strengthen the international recognition of Education qualifications and enhance academic and professional mobility, including for refugees and displaced persons.
Initiatives and/or programmes that have been launched in the past three years
Foreign scholarship programme for high‑achieving G.C.E. Advanced Level students to pursue undergraduate studies at top 500 international universities
The Government of Sri Lanka has initiated a scholarship programme to support top-performing G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) students in pursuing their undergraduate studies at highly ranked overseas universities. Under this initiative, 200 scholarships will be awarded to students who achieve the highest Z-scores in their A/L examinations. The programme, funded through the national budget, provides full financial support for studying at universities ranked among the top 500 globally, with instruction in English. Selection of candidates will be conducted through a rigorous interview process by an expert academic panel. This initiative aims to nurture academic excellence, enhance global exposure, and develop a highly skilled workforce to contribute to Sri Lanka’s national development. https://mohe.gov.lk/images/pdf/200_English_web_notice.pdf
School Nutrition and Free Meal Programme (2025)
In 2025, the MOE implemented a national school nutrition programme with Rs. 32 billion allocated to provide nutritious meals to approximately 1.4 million school children across nearly 9,000 schools, emphasising student health and wellbeing.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion in Sri Lankan Universities
Policy measures in Sri Lanka have been introduced to expand access to higher education and improve inclusion for students with disabilities. In 2025, the government approved a decision allowing students with disabilities who qualify through the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to be admitted to all faculties across state universities, removing previous limitations and opening wider academic opportunities. This initiative is complemented by efforts to strengthen support systems and accessibility infrastructure within universities to ensure inclusive participation.
Nipunatha Sisu Saviya Bursary
The Nipunatha Sisu Saviya Bursary Scheme is a financial support programme administered by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to assist students enrolled in vocational and TVET courses, particularly those pursuing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). Originally focused on trainees up to NVQ Level 4, the programme was expanded in 2024 to support learners up to, with a total allocation of for bursary support in 2024. The scheme aims to help cover their educational expenses, encouraging continued participation and completion of vocational training.
https://skillsmin.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/English-2024.pdf?
Projects which are examples of good practice that have been launched in the past three years
National Development Plan for TVET Sector 2023-27 (NPTVET)
Economic development relies heavily on a well-supplied labour market with skilled and relevant human resources. Therefore, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector must be prioritised. Strengthening this sector will support the growth of various industries and services, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and help formalise the informal labour market by recognising and certifying the skills of its workers.
The first Development Plan for the TVET sector, published in 1995, introduced the registration of vocational training institutes. Since then, the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) has developed sectoral and provincial plans to advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The National Development Plan (NDP) for the TVET sector, aligned with the National Policy on TVET (NPTVET) developed by the National Education Commission (NEC), was created to build a skilled workforce for Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development. This plan is the first comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of skills development and vocational training, fulfilling a long-standing need in the TVET sector. https://www.tvec.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Development_Plan_202…
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Operational Manual
The National Vocational Qualifications Framework of Sri Lanka (NVQSL) has been established to support efforts to enhance the development of an internationally competitive workforce in Sri Lanka. The framework is one of the key elements in unifying the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, bringing almost all providers under one regulatory and quality assurance framework.
National Competency Standards in Sri Lanka have been established in collaboration with industry experts. These standards include national curricula and quality guidelines for teaching and assessment, all based on a competency-based approach. Learners and workers receive national certification under this system, designed to meet international benchmarks like those in developed countries.
https://www.tvec.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NVQ_Operation_Manual…
Reforming the Vocational Education System to Cater to Trends in the Labour Market
Previously, certificates and diplomas from public and private vocational training institutions in Sri Lanka did not align with a qualification framework. This created confusion for youths in choosing quality programmes for their careers and for employers in assessing whether certificates met industry standards.
The National Vocational Qualifications Framework in Sri Lanka aims to standardise technical and vocational education and training to match international standards and support economic and social development. It is based on competency standards set by industry stakeholders and includes both technical and employability skills.
The national vocational qualifications system in Sri Lanka will recognise prior learning based on national competency standards. This process assesses the skills and knowledge an individual has gained through formal or informal training, work experience, or life experiences. It allows for the partial or full completion of a qualification based on these competencies. Recognition of Prior Learning can be combined with formal certification to make assessment decisions.
https://nec.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5.Re-imagining-Education-…- Reports-by-Presidential-Task-Force.pdf
Key players and networks (stakeholders) at the national level (or at the regional level with a national component)
In Sri Lanka, several government bodies are responsible for overseeing and regulating the higher education and vocational education sectors. These organisations ensure the quality and standards of institutions within their respective jurisdictions. State universities, campuses, HE institutes, and vocational training institutes fall under their authority, which governs their operations and maintains educational standards across the country.
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education is responsible for guiding the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of educational policies, programmes, and projects. This includes oversight of primary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational education, ensuring that educational standards and objectives are met across all levels.
https://moe.gov.lk/ ,https://mohe.gov.lk/, https://skillsmin.gov.lk/
University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission is the top governing body for universities in Sri Lanka. It was established on 22 December 1978, under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. The UGC’s responsibilities include planning and coordinating university education, allocating funds to HEIs, maintaining academic standards, regulating the administration of HEIs, and overseeing student admissions to these institutions.
Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC)
The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission was established in 1991 as the leading authority in Sri Lanka’s technical and vocational education and training sector under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Act No. 20 of 1990. Its main responsibilities include formulating policies, planning, ensuring quality, coordinating, and developing tertiary and vocational education across the country.
National Education Commission (NEC)
The National Education Commission was established under the National Education Commission Act No. 19 of 1991. Its primary role is to advise the President on all aspects of educational policy to ensure continuity and adaptability in the education system. The NEC reviews and analyses existing policies and plans, recommending changes as needed to align with society’s evolving needs.
National Institute of Education (NIE)
The National Education Institute was established in 1986 under Act No. 28 of 1985 and serves as the apex body responsible for shaping the nation’s educational landscape. The Institute’s key responsibilities include developing curricula for national general education at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. Additionally, the NEI is mandated to provide quality teacher education and facilitate the professional development of educators across the country.
Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka
The Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka is the national authority responsible for conducting all public examinations, including the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level exams. It ensures transparent, fair, and standardised assessment procedures across the country, provides official results and certifications, and maintains the integrity of Sri Lanka’s education evaluation system. The department plays a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional futures of students nationwide.
Vocational Training Authority (VTA)
The Vocational Training Authority was established on 16 August 1995 under the provisions of the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka Act No.12 of 1995, intending to provide skills for employment. The Manpower Division, the training arm of the Labour Department, which was running Technical and Vocational training programmes in many parts of Sri Lanka, converted to the newly constituted Vocational Training Authority (VTA). This made vocational training more accessible to rural youth and depressed segments of the country. www.vtasl.gov.lk
National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA)
The National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority was established under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Act No. 20 of 1990. It succeeded the National Apprentice Board (NAB), founded in 1971, to coordinate and regulate enterprise-based apprenticeships. NAITA’s mandate is broader, focusing on various aspects of industrial training and apprenticeships across Sri Lanka.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) in Sri Lanka operates under the Science and Technology Development Act No. 11 of 1994 and adheres to the National Science & Technology Policy. Its key roles include:
- Supporting research, development, and innovation to foster a knowledge economy.
- Facilitating capacity building and infrastructure development.
- Promoting technology transfer and knowledge sharing in science and technology.
- Enhancing the quality of life through advancements in these fields.
National Youth Services Council (NYSC)
The National Youth Services Council in Sri Lanka has been established to guide the country’s youth in the proper direction and enable them to empower themselves to their fullest potential while contributing to the nation’s prosperity.
It was established under the Volunteer National Youth Services Act No. 11 of 1967 and revised by Act No. 52 of 1968. Over the years, its activities expanded beyond volunteerism. Subsequently, the scope was revised under the Youth Services Council Act No. 69 of 1979, which gave it the status of a fully pledged youth development organisation.
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