By The Pulseline News Desk
A total of 267,138 children dropped out of school between 2018 and 2024, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya revealed in Parliament on Wednesday (10), drawing renewed attention to one of the country’s most pressing educational challenges.
Responding to a question raised by opposition member of parliament (MP) Hesha Withanage, the Prime Minister said that official records show a significant number of students have left the formal education system over the six-year period. The disclosure has raised concerns among educators and policymakers about the long-term social and economic consequences of school dropout rates.
While presenting the figures, Amarasuriya noted that the government does not possess comprehensive data on students who left school between 2010 and the early part of 2017. The absence of historical records makes it difficult to assess long-term trends and fully understand the scale of the issue over the past decade.
Education experts have repeatedly warned that children who leave school prematurely face increased risks of unemployment, low-income employment, social exclusion, and vulnerability to exploitation. Economic hardships experienced by many families in recent years, coupled with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s economic crisis, are believed to have contributed to student absenteeism and eventual dropout.
The figure of more than a quarter of a million school dropouts has sparked questions about the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms aimed at keeping children within the education system. Observers say targeted interventions may be required to identify at-risk students early and provide financial, social, and academic assistance to prevent them from leaving school.
The revelation also highlights the importance of reliable educational data. Without accurate and continuous records, policymakers may struggle to design evidence-based strategies to address the root causes of school dropout and improve student retention.
As Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen its education sector, the newly disclosed figures are expected to intensify discussions on educational access, equity, and the support available to vulnerable children across the country.
Leave a comment