13-Year Guaranteed Education Programme: Implementation Status in Tamil Medium Schools

Abstract

The 13-Year Guaranteed Education Scheme was introduced in Sri Lankan schools in 2017 to enhance vocational education. Recently, however, student enrollment in the scheme has declined. Consequently, this study was conducted across nine Tamil-medium schools in the Colombo Central Education Zone to evaluate resource adequacy, student and community engagement, and the effectiveness of school management strategies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive research design. The sample consisted of 72 participants: 18 principals and vice-principals, 18 teachers, and 36 students. Participants were selected using simple random sampling, stratified by school, gender, and region. Data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. This study indicates that the building, teaching, and technological resources as well as learning equipment and social support necessary for implementation are currently insufficient (M = 1.5 – 3.4). Conversely, variables regarding student school attendance and truancy remain high (M = 3.5 – 5.4). Active student engagement, including willing participation, project completion, collaboration, and effective communication with teachers, was found to be low (M = 1.5 – 3.4). Furthermore, there is minimal involvement from the broader community, including parents, alumni, social organizations, and political entities. The study reveals that despite various measures taken by school management, implementation is hindered by inadequate cooperation from students, parents, alumni, and education officials.