Dr Sarath Obeysekera 

What kind of education system best serves Sri Lanka’s long-term development?

The issue is not whether Sri Lanka should have schools similar to prestigious British schools such as Harrow School, Merchant Taylors’ School, or The John Lyon School. The real question is whether our education system produces citizens who can create value in Sri Lanka rather than simply preparing students to leave.

The Current Situation

Sri Lanka has several excellent international schools that prepare students for British, Australian, or International Baccalaureate qualifications. Many graduates proceed to universities abroad and often settle overseas.

At the same time, leading national schools prepare students for GCE O/L and A/L examinations, with the objective of entering Sri Lankan universities and obtaining professional or public-sector employment.

Both systems have strengths, but both can be criticized for focusing heavily on examinations rather than innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and industrial development.

Why Singapore and South Korea Are Different

Singapore and South Korea invested heavily in:

• Science and technology education
• Technical and vocational training
• Research and development
• Export-oriented industries
• Merit-based public administration
• Strong links between universities and industry

Students remain because opportunities exist at home. Patriotism helps, but economic opportunity is usually the decisive factor.

The Real Problem Is Not Emigration

Many Sri Lankan students leave because:

• Higher salaries abroad
• More advanced industries
• Better research facilities
• Larger technology ecosystems
• More merit-based career progression

If Sri Lanka offered similar opportunities, many would stay or return after gaining experience overseas.

Some Ideas for Sri Lanka

1. Create Technology-Focused Secondary Schools

Establish specialized public schools focusing on:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Renewable energy
• Maritime technology
• Aerospace engineering
• Advanced manufacturing

Students should learn practical innovation, not only examination techniques.

2. Strengthen Vocational Education

Countries such as Germany have elevated technical education to a prestigious level.

Sri Lanka could expand institutions such as technical colleges and vocational academies to produce:

• Welders
• Mechatronics technicians
• Marine engineers
• Renewable-energy specialists
• Industrial automation experts

This aligns closely with your long-standing interest in vocational and marine industry development.

3. Develop AI and Digital Export Zones

Create technology parks in:

• Colombo
• Galle
• Jaffna
• Trincomalee

Offer incentives for companies developing:

• AI software
• Fintech
• Cybersecurity
• Data analytics
• Digital services

These sectors require little physical infrastructure but generate significant foreign exchange.

4. Link Universities with Industry

Engineering and science students should spend substantial time in industry placements.

Research projects should solve practical national problems:

• Ports
• Fisheries
• Water management
• Energy
• Agriculture
• Logistics

5. Encourage Return of Overseas Talent

Many Sri Lankan professionals abroad possess valuable expertise.

A structured Return and Invest” program could attract them to:

• Start companies
• Teach at universities
• Mentor entrepreneurs
• Invest in technology ventures

A Balanced View

Sri Lanka should not discourage international schools or overseas education. Exposure to global standards is valuable.

The objective should be:

Study globally, create value locally.”

If Sri Lanka develops high-value industries, advanced manufacturing, AI, maritime services, renewable energy, and technology-based exports, many talented young people will choose to remain or return because attractive careers will exist here.

Education policy alone cannot stop brain drain. The most effective solution is to build an economy that gives talented Sri Lankans a compelling reason to stay and contribute to the country’s growth.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera