[Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 4.30 GMT] 

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $80 million to improve secondary and tertiary education in Sri Lanka, said a news release issued by it.  

The assistance will be provided in the form of a $65 million loan and a $15 million grant to support the Education for Knowledge Society Project. The government is contributing $25.3 million to the project.

The grant will fund a scholarship program, an initiative for innovative teaching programs for information and communication technology and an HIV/AIDS health education program.

The project will upgrade one public secondary school in each of the 150 poorest administrative divisions in the country identified by the government. The upgraded schools will offer advanced level science and teaching in key subjects such as information and communication technology, English and technical subjects to enhance skills in areas of high demand, including manufacturing and services.  

The project will also support curriculum and assessment reform in secondary education, English language education, and expand the use of information and communication technology for learning. It will upgrade tertiary education institutions into more market responsive education providers. The project will also strengthen career guidance and social marketing programs to orient students toward wider tertiary education options, including technical education and vocational training, to help broaden learning options and career paths for the educated youth.

PRINT THIS STORY

Contact Information: Send mail to priu@presidentsoffice.lk with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: November 29, 2007 - 4.30 GMT