The objective of this report is to
analyze the state of early childhood education (ECE1)
provision and the policy framework for delivering ECE in Sri
Lanka, and suggest policy options for the future. The report
is intended to serve several purposes. First, drawing upon
the international literature in the field of early childhood
development, it provides the rationale for investing in
early childhood education in Sri Lanka. Second, it provides
an understanding of the current policy framework and
delivery system for ECE in the country. This policy analysis
specifically looks at the extent to which there is an
enabling environment for ECE, what provisions exist for
monitoring and quality assurance, and how widely the policy
is being implemented. Third, it presents a situation
analysis of ECE provision in Sri Lanka, discussing the
issues of access, equity, and quality in the delivery of ECE
services. The discussion on equity focuses mainly on
understanding disparities in access, and the analysis of
quality looks at the quality of inputs, processes and
outcomes, including cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes.
And fourth, the report presents policy and program options
based on the findings of the above analyses.