Sri Lanka: education

What is the literacy rate in Sri Lanka?

92.7% of adults in Sri Lanka could read and write in 2024, according to the World Bank, based on UNESCO data for people aged 15 and over.

For enrolment, the World Bank gives a gross secondary enrolment rate of 88.0% in 2023, and a gross tertiary rate of 20.7%. Gross rates compare all pupils at a level with the population of the official age for that level.

Official sources: World Bank: Adult literacy rate, Sri Lanka · World Bank: School enrolment, secondary (% gross), Sri Lanka · World Bank: School enrolment, tertiary (% gross), Sri Lanka

What share of children in Sri Lanka go to primary school?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts net primary school enrolment in Sri Lanka at 99.1% in 2018. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. World rank, highest first: 1st of 69.

How many children in Sri Lanka go to secondary school?

88.0%: that is gross secondary school enrolment in Sri Lanka for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2010. South Asia median: 83.1%; Sri Lanka is 2nd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 90th of 138.

How many students are in higher education in Sri Lanka?

20.7%: that is gross tertiary enrolment in Sri Lanka for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Since 2010 it has ranged from 14.7% (2011) to 22.4% (2022). It is 3rd highest of 5 in South Asia, where the median is 20.7%. World rank, highest first: 97th of 120.

What is Sri Lanka's literacy rate?

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the adult literacy rate in Sri Lanka was 92.7% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2006.

What share of GDP does Sri Lanka spend on education?

1.8% of GDP: that is government spending on education in Sri Lanka for 2023, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The peak was 3.2% of GDP in 2016 and the low 1.2% of GDP in 2022. Across South Asia the middle value was 4.0% of GDP, and Sri Lanka placed 5th highest of 5. Worldwide: 102nd of 112.

What is the pupil-teacher ratio in Sri Lanka?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts the number of primary pupils per teacher in Sri Lanka at 22 in 2018. No year since 2005 has been lower. Of 85 countries with 2018 data, 40th highest.

What is the primary completion rate in Sri Lanka?

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics puts the primary completion rate in Sri Lanka at 94.5% in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 88.4% (2008) to 98.4% (2011). It is 4th highest of 5 in South Asia, where the median is 94.6%. Of 131 countries with 2023 data, 74th highest.