An estimated 500,000 students and 150,000 teachers across Sri Lanka are set to benefit from a new $50 million additional financing package approved by the World Bank on Wednesday (26), aimed at advancing key education reforms under the ongoing General Education Modernization Project (GEMP).
The additional funding will support the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to enhance teaching quality, upgrade school infrastructure, and promote student well-being, particularly in underserved schools, including those in plantation communities and institutions that cater to children with special needs.
According to a statement issued by the World Bank Group, schools in all nine provinces, across all grade levels, will benefit from this financing.
“This support is about making sure every child in Sri Lanka has the chance to learn in a safe, inclusive environment, and that every teacher has the tools they need to help their students thrive,”
— David Sislen, World Bank Divisional Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
The funding will go toward:
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Modernizing teacher education through pre-service and ongoing development programs, with an emphasis on digital learning.
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Strengthening school health and nutrition, including access to clean water, menstrual hygiene and reproductive health services, and improved mental health support.
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Providing enhanced support for female students and children in rural and estate areas, the World Bank said.
“The additional funds will be utilized to benefit children in rural and estate areas, with special emphasis on female students,”
— Harsha Aturupane, World Bank Lead Economist and Task Team Leader
About the Project:
The General Education Modernization Project, launched in 2018, aims to transform Sri Lanka’s primary and secondary education by focusing on:
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Improving English and mathematics proficiency
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Expanding digital learning
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Enhancing school-based teacher development
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Promoting social equity and inclusion through education
Implemented by the Ministry of Education and Provincial Education Authorities, the project has already made significant progress in upgrading school facilities and digital resources, especially in rural areas. All 10,000 government schools in the country are expected to benefit.
