Article 11: The State of Education in Sri Lanka: A Call for Quality Over Quantity

Education has always been a cornerstone of societal development, and Sri Lanka is no exception. The nation boasts a high literacy rate and a broad network of educational institutions. However, there is an emerging concern that needs immediate attention: the shift from valuing the quality of education to merely pursuing qualifications for their own sake.

Quantity Over Quality: A Growing Trend

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the focus of Sri Lankan education has tilted towards obtaining degrees rather than acquiring knowledge. Many students pursue higher education, not to enhance their skills or broaden their intellectual horizons, but to gain the letters that follow their names. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the pursuit of MBA degrees.

In Colombo, it seems like every street corner offers a fast-tracked MBA program with some form of foreign affiliation. These programs promise a degree in a fraction of the time, attracting scores of students who are more interested in the qualification itself than the learning journey. The primary goal for many has become the three letters – MBA – rather than the valuable business acumen and strategic thinking skills these programs are supposed to impart.

Personal Experience: The MBA Bandwagon

Having signed up for one such MBA program, I witnessed firsthand how this trend is affecting the quality of education. Students often choose electives not based on interest or relevance to their career goals, but on how easily they can pass the courses. This mentality was so pervasive that a lecturer once remarked that if Tamil were offered as an elective, people would take it just to fulfill the requirement, regardless of its applicability to their business education.

Despite efforts by some lecturers to encourage genuine learning, the overriding attitude among students was to do the minimum required to earn the degree. This approach is not only undermining the value of the MBA qualification but also producing graduates who are ill-prepared for the complexities of the industry. They are competent on paper but often struggle when confronted with real-world challenges.

The Consequences for Industry

The repercussions of this trend extend beyond the educational institutions into the workplace. Employers face a growing pool of job candidates who possess impressive qualifications but lack practical skills and critical thinking abilities. This mismatch between education and industry needs leads to inefficiencies and hampers organizational growth and innovation.

Employers are forced to invest additional resources in training and development to bring these graduates up to speed. This situation creates a vicious cycle where the initial purpose of higher education – to prepare individuals for the professional world – is defeated.

A Call for Change

The time has come for a paradigm shift in the Sri Lankan education system. There needs to be a renewed focus on the quality of education rather than the quantity of degrees awarded. Educational institutions should prioritize comprehensive learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills.

Moreover, students must be encouraged to view education as a lifelong journey of self-improvement and curiosity, not just a means to an end. Lecturers and administrators play a crucial role in this transformation by designing curricula that challenge students and promote active engagement with the material.

Conclusion

Education is meant to be an empowering force that drives personal and societal progress. In Sri Lanka, however, the current trend towards valuing qualifications over knowledge is a significant concern. By shifting our focus back to quality education, we can better prepare our graduates for the demands of the industry and contribute to a more dynamic and innovative society.

Let us advocate for an education system that values learning over letters and equips our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the real world.