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Helloo

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Introduction

Sri Lankan English, holds a unique postcolonial identity, shaped by around 200 years of history, linguistic influences, and political developments. It is not the English of the colonizer, but the English of the once colonized. This variety of English It plays a significant role in the country’s administration, judiciary, education, and interpersonal communication. English is used both as a first language and as a second or third language in Sri Lanka. While some communities, such as the Burghers, consider English their mother tongue, for the majority, it serves primarily as a second or third language used for functional purposes. All Sri Lankans are to some extent bilingual, and some are trilingual, being proficient in English, Sinhalese, and Tamil.

After the British introduced English to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1796 English education was linked to Christian missionary efforts and the needs of the colonial administration.

In 1833, the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission established English as the official administrative language.

English became the medium of instruction in schools and the language of higher education.

English was primarily for a select community, while the majority continued to use their vernacular languages.

Post-Independence (1948-Present):

The Sinhala Only Act of 1956 reduced English's role as an official language, favouring Sinhala and Tamil languages.

The Act of 1958 reversed some aspects of the Sinhala Only Act.

Despite the shift towards national languages, English remained important for trade, commerce, and globalization.

Sri Lanka introduced English as a medium of instruction in Public Schools country-wide in 2001 as a means of preparing the younger generation to face "Globalization" effectively.

Current Status:

English is still widely used in Sri Lanka, particularly in urban areas and for official and commercial purposes.

English is a language of power and wealth, although its hegemonic status has declined.

English is now seen as a vital "Basic Life Skill" and a lingua franca.

Sri Lankan English (SLE) as a separate variety has gained recognition in recent decades, with increasing contributions to its regional and international literary profile.

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  in 1796-1948 

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  in 1796-1948 

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  in 1796-1948 

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Changes on education

1830 - state funded education started as the English as the medium of education.

1886- Establishment of Buddhist colleges such as Ananda College to promote Buddhist education

1892- Started Started Zahira College to promote Muslim Education and Jaffna College to promote Hindu education

1912 - Started teacher training colleges

1921 - Allowed women to enter to University of Colombo

1943 - free education policy bn C W W kannangara

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  in 1796-1948 

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Members -

Diana

Poornima

Rafahath Shadiya

Wathsala

Anncy

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  in 1796-1948 

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1796- The British took over from the Dutch, and they gradually replaced the Dutch in the English

1802- The Ceylon became A British Crown Colony . English became the official language.

1815- Srl Lanka became fully controlled by the British

1835 – Colebrooke-Cameron Commission recommends introducing English-medium education and expanding government-funded schools.

1836 – Royal College Colombo (then the Colombo Academy) is established as one of the first English-medium schools in Sri Lanka.

1850s – British missionary societies expand English-medium schools.

1870s: Strengthening English Educational Institutions

1870s – Several Catholic and Methodist schools introduce English-medium curricula to cater to elite and middle-class students.

1876 – The Ceylon Medical College is founded, offering higher education in English for medical studies.

During this period, English education expanded through missionary schools, government institutions, and reforms, laying the foundation for future English-medium education in Sri Lanka.

1880s-1900s - English education expanded through missionary schools and government institutions, primarily for the elite.

Early 1900s - English became the official language for administration, legal matters, and education under British colonial rule.

1921 - The establishment of University College Colombo and technical colleges promoted higher education in English.

1800s and the 1940s - English proficiency symbolised prestige and social status, dividing the elite and non-English-speaking populations.

1948 - After independence, English remained central to governance, education, and economic opportunities, perpetuating class divisions.

Group members - Nisansala 2514101047 , Ramanapriya 2514101024, Sathsarani 2514101005

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What was the special educational occasion during the period of 1796 to 1948

1 Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms (1833):

Introduced a formal education system under government control.

Encouraged English-medium education, mainly benefiting elite

families.

Buddhist and Hindu education declined due to government support for Christian schools

2.Expansion of Missionary & Government Schools (1833-1900):

Christian missionary groups (Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists) established schools in cities and towns.

The first English-medium schools (e.g., Royal College, S. Thomas’

College) were set up for elite students.

Government schools were created but were limited in rural areas.

Jaffna became a center for Tamil education, thanks to missionary schools.

3.Rise of Vernacular (Local Language) Education (1900-1931):

Buddhist and Hindu leaders pushed for Sinhala and Tamil-medium schools.

Anagarika Dharmapala and Arumuga Navalar revived Buddhist and Hindu education.

Government began funding vernacular schools, but English schools still dominated high-status jobs.

4 Donoughmore Reforms & Education for All (1931-1948):

Free education was introduced in 1943 by C. W. W. Kannangara, providing equal access for all students.

More Sinhala & Tamil schools were established, reducing missionary dominance.

University of Ceylon was founded in 1942, marking the beginning of higher education

Group members

MMM SHIHAM

Gayathri

M.Z.R.S.Zubair

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1. English in Sri Lanka (1796–1948)

In 1796, the British took control of coastal areas from the Dutch and made English the administrative language.

After the fall of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815, all of Sri Lanka became a British colony.

English became the language of governance, law, and higher education, replacing Dutch and Portuguese influences.

Missionary schools and British-run schools promoted English education, mainly for elites.

By the early 20th century, English was a mark of social status, and those fluent in it had better government job opportunities.

In 1944, the Free Education Policy by C.W.W. Kannangara expanded education, but English remained dominant in elite schools.

By 1948 (independence year), English was still widely used but gradually started declining as Sinhala and Tamil gained prominence in administration.

2. Education in Sri Lanka (1796–1948)

Early British Period (1796–1830s):

Christian missionary schools (Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic) were established to promote Western-style education.

Education was mostly English-medium and limited to urban elites.

Traditional Buddhist and Hindu education systems declined due to lack of state support.

Mid-19th Century Reforms:

The British set up government schools alongside missionary schools.

The Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms (1833) emphasized English education for administration.

Schools like Royal College (1835) and St. Thomas’ College (1851) became prominent English-medium institutions.

Jaffna Tamil community developed strong English education, leading to many professionals from the North.

Early 20th Century – Rise of Vernacular Education:

Nationalist movements pushed for education in Sinhala and Tamil instead of just English.

The Buddhist Theosophical Society (led by Colonel Henry Olcott) helped revive Buddhist education, founding schools like Ananda College (1886), Dharmaraja College (1887), and Mahinda College (1892).

Rinosha , Awanthika, Andreja , Mahesh

In 1944, C.W.W. Kannangara’s Free Education Bill made primary and secondary education free for all, regardless of class or language.

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1. Introduction of English as the Medium of Instruction (1796)

2. Missionary Schools (Early 19th Century)

3. Government Schools and Education Ordinance (1834)

4. Expansion of Vernacular Education (Mid-19th Century)

5. Introduction of Secondary Education and University (1896)

6. Education Reforms (1944)

7. End of Colonial Rule and Continued Educational Development (1948)

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1796: The British took over the power of coastal areas, and English became the official and legal language of government and administration.

1802: The establishment of English as the official language of administration. Sri Lanka became a British Crown Colony.

1815: The whole country became a British Crown Colony.

1829: Start of the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission.

1833: The reformation of the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission happened. English became the official administrative language. And implementation of the English medium schools happened around Colombo, Galle and Kandy.

1834: The establishment of the Colombo Academy, later became Royal College. A uniform system of justice, education, and civil administration was introduced.

1835 - The English Education  Act was introduced by British East India Company. And the English Education Act was introduced by British East India Company.

Group Members:

S. H. N.Sewwandi - 2514101043

P. Umaaruban - 2514101055

H. S. C. De Silva - 2514101013

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1796–1815: Early British Rule (Coastal Control)

The British took control of Sri Lanka from the Dutch in 1796, initially ruling only the coastal areas.

English was introduced as the language of administration in these areas, replacing Dutch and Portuguese.

Sinhala and Tamil remained the primary languages spoken by the local population.

1815–1833: British Conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom

In 1815, the British fully captured Sri Lanka after signing the Kandyan Convention, ending local Sinhalese rule.

English gradually became the language of governance, replacing Sinhala and Tamil in official matters.

British officials and missionaries promoted English-medium education, particularly among elites.

1833–1900: English Becomes More Established

In 1833, administrative reforms - Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms centralized governance, making English the dominant language in the civil service.

English-medium schools were established, mainly by Christian missionaries.

Sinhala and Tamil education declined in importance as English became essential for government jobs.

The British legal system was introduced, and English became the language of law and courts.

Plantation industries expanded, and English became the language of commerce.

1900–1948: Growth of English and Rise of Nationalism

English remained the language of education, administration, and the elite.

By early 20th century, a nationalist movement emerged, calling for greater recognition of Sinhala and Tamil.

The State Council (1931) used English as the official language.

English was mainly spoken by government officials, professionals, and urban elites.

In 1944,CWW Kannangara introduced the Free Education Bill.

In 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence, and English remained an official language alongside Sinhala and Tamil.

After 1948

1948–1956: Early Post-Independence Era

The education system retained its colonial structure, with English as the primary medium of instruction in many schools, especially in urban areas and elite institutions like missionary schools.

Discussions began about promoting local languages (Sinhala and Tamil) to assert national identity, though English remained dominant in higher education and administration.

1956–1970: Rise of Sinhala and Tamil Nationalism

"Sinhala Only" Policy (1956)

The victory of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Federal Party in the 1956 elections led to the Sinhala Only Act, making Sinhala the sole official language. This policy prioritized Sinhala in education, reducing the prominence of English and Tamil in government schools.

English was phased out as the medium of instruction in many government schools, replaced by Sinhala and Tamil.

English remained important in private schools and higher education but declined in public primary and secondary institutions.

In 1960 The curriculum Development Center (CDC) was set up to develop the curriculums

1970–1977: Socialist Reforms Era

1970 - Nationalization of Schools

The United Front government nationalized private schools, aiming to unify the education system. This led to further standardization of Sinhala as the medium, though English was retained as a compulsory subject.

1971 - Education Act

Established free education up to the university level but reinforced the use of local languages.

English became a secondary focus, though technical and scientific subjects still relied on it.

1978–1990: Economic Liberalization and Reintroduction of English

1978 Constitution and economic reforms

J.R. Jayewardene prioritized globalization, leading to renewed emphasis on English for competitiveness in trade, tourism, and technology.

English was reintroduced as a medium of instruction in some subjects e.g., mathematics, science in government schools.

Universities maintained English as the medium for many courses, especially in STEM fields.

In 1980 International Schools were first established.

In 1986 National College of Education (NCOE) and Teacher Training Centers were founded to provide training for teachers.

1990–2000: Globalization and Bilingual Education Era

1994 - The National Education Commission Report

Urban schools increasingly adopted English as a medium, while rural schools often used Sinhala or Tamil.

Tamil-medium education persisted in the north and east, though disparities in quality emerged.

2000–Present Digital Age and Multilingualism Era

Digital Integration: English became critical for accessing global resources, leading to renewed focus on proficiency. Public schools now integrate English earlier in the curriculum.

Private schools (both local and international) dominate English-medium education, catering to middle- and upper-class families.

Public schools face challenges in teacher training and resources for effective English instruction.

In 2006 government introduced a pilot program to reintroduce English as the medium of instruction. This emphasized on strengthening English language proficiency.

In 2009 introduced English as life skill to the curriculum.

In 2010 government promoted bilingual education.

The government aims for bilingual education, with English as a compulsory subject and medium in select subjects.

International curricula (e.g., IB, Cambridge) are popular in private schools, deepening class-based divides in education quality.

English education in Sri Lanka evolved from a secondary subject to a cornerstone of academic and professional development.

In 2023 EF English Proficiency Index (EFEPI) Sri Lanka categorized as high proficient country.

English continues to be a key driver of Sri Lanka's aspirations for global competitiveness in education, tourism and technology.

Dileka S - 2514101018

GA Erandi Perera - 2514101056

ARA Shahani - 2514101030

MMA Thasneem - 2514101019

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Key Changes in Education (1796-1948)

1. Introduction of English as the Medium of Instruction (1796):

- English was introduced as the primary language for education, focusing on serving the colonial administration's needs.

2. Missionary Schools (Early 19th Century):

- Missionaries established English-medium schools that spread Western education alongside Christian teachings.

3. Government Schools and Education Ordinance (1834):

- British colonial authorities introduced government-run schools to train a workforce for colonial administration, focusing on English and Christian education.

4. Expansion of Vernacular Education (Mid-19th Century):

- Local education continued in Sinhala and Tamil in Buddhist, Hindu, and village-based schools.

5. Introduction of Secondary Education and University (1896):

- The British established more secondary schools and the University of Ceylon, which made higher education available to a select few.

6. Education Reforms (1944):

- Under C.W.W. Kannangara, free education was introduced, starting with primary education, making it available to all children regardless of class or region.

7. End of Colonial Rule and Continued Educational Development (1948):

After independence in 1948, the emphasis on free education continued, laying the foundation for the expansion of the education system to include secondary and vocational education.

Group Members

D.Stela Devamalar 2514101023

Kasuni Menaka 2514101058

H. Tharanga

M.A. Dakshina Munasinghe 2514101048

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How English Language and English Language Education were affected after Independence.

1. Official Language Act of 1956 (Sinhala Only Act)

1956: The Official Language Act, introduced by Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, made Sinhala the only official language of Sri Lanka.

Impact on English:

English lost its official status, leading to a decline in English education in schools.

Many English-medium schools were converted to Sinhala or Tamil mediums.

English became associated with the elite and urban population, creating a social divide.

2. Introduction of the Free Education System (1944 - Implemented fully post-1948)

By 1948, the Free Education Policy, initiated by C.W.W. Kannangara, began to show results.

Impact on English:

English education was accessible only in urban areas and elite schools.

Rural schools lacked qualified English teachers and resources.

The gap between urban and rural students in English proficiency widened.

3. Establishment of the University of Ceylon (1942, but expanded post-independence)

The University of Ceylon, with English as the medium of instruction, became a center for higher education.

Impact on English:

English remained dominant in higher education, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, and law.

Students from non-English backgrounds faced difficulties in university-level education.

4. 1972 Republican Constitution

The 1972 Constitution reaffirmed Sinhala as the official language.

Impact on English:

English was further marginalized in public administration and government services.

English was retained as a "link language" to communicate with minority Tamil speakers and for international relations

5. Open Economy Policy of 1977

Prime Minister J.R. Jayewardene introduced an open-market economy, encouraging foreign investment and global trade.

Impact on English:

English became essential for business, trade, and tourism.

Demand for English language education increased, leading to the rise of international schools and private English classes.

6. Establishment of International Schools (1980s and 1990s)

The rise of international schools with English as the medium of instruction provided an alternative to the state-run system.

Impact on English:

English became popular among the middle and upper classes.

These schools followed British and American curricula, boosting English proficiency.

7. Introduction of English as a Compulsory Subject (2001)

The Sri Lankan government made English a compulsory subject from Grade 1 onwards.

Impact on English:

Improved English literacy rates among younger generations.

However, rural areas still faced teacher shortages and lack of resources.

8. Higher Education Reforms (2010s)

The introduction of English medium degree programs in state universities.

Growth of private higher education institutions like SLIIT, NSBM, and CINEC, offering courses entirely in English.

Impact on English:

English became necessary for professional qualifications and global job opportunities.

9. Digital Revolution and Globalization (2015-Present)

Growth of the IT sector, outsourcing industry, and tourism sector demanded English communication skills.

Impact on English:

English fluency became essential for employment and international collaboration.

The popularity of online learning platforms and English language certifications like IELTS and TOEFL increased.

Group Members

1. U.H.N.S.Wimalasooriya - 2514101006

2. S.A. Regan - 2514101016

3. L.U. Colombage - 2514101026

4. P. Mathivathani - 2514101031

5. K.K.U.S. Wimalarathna - 2514101032

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Key events in English and Education in Sri lanka in the British Colonnial period  from 1948 - present

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Members:

Diana - 2514101011

Rafahath Shadiya - 2514101063

Wathsala - 2514101038

Anccy - 2514101002

Poornima - 2514101042

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1. Post-Independence Education Reforms (1948-1956)
1948: Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule, leading to a re-evaluation of the education system.
Focus on English: English continued to be a medium of instruction in many schools, particularly in urban areas, and was seen as essential for higher education and employment.
2. Sinhala Only Act (1956)
Language Policy Shift: The Sinhala Only Act was enacted, making Sinhala the sole official language of Sri Lanka. This significantly impacted the status of English in education and administration.
Impact on English Education: Many English-medium schools faced challenges, and the emphasis on Sinhala led to a decline in English proficiency among the general population.
3. Expansion of Vernacular Education (1960s-1970s)
Vernacular Medium Schools: The government promoted vernacular education, leading to the establishment of more Sinhala and Tamil medium schools.
Access to Education: Efforts were made to increase access to education for rural populations, but this often came at the expense of English language instruction.
4. Bilingual Education Initiatives (1980s)
Recognition of English Importance: By the 1980s, there was a growing recognition of the importance of English for economic development and global communication.
Bilingual Education Programs: Initiatives were introduced to promote bilingual education, aiming to improve English proficiency while maintaining vernacular education.
5. National Policy on Education (1997)
Revised Education Policy: The National Policy on Education emphasized the need for English language education and aimed to improve the quality of English instruction in schools.
Teacher Training: Programs were initiated to train teachers in English language instruction, recognizing the need for qualified educators.
6. English as a Second Language (2000s)
Increased Demand for English: The demand for English language skills grew due to globalization and the need for a skilled workforce.
Private English Medium Schools: The rise of private English medium schools provided alternatives for parents seeking quality English education for their children.
7. Government Initiatives (2010s)
English Language Teaching (ELT) Programs: The government launched various ELT programs to enhance English proficiency among students, including the "English in Action" program.
Curriculum Reforms: Revisions to the national curriculum included a stronger emphasis on English language education.
8. Current Trends and Challenges (2020s)
Continued Emphasis on English: English remains a critical component of the education system, with ongoing efforts to improve proficiency at all levels.
Digital Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital learning platforms, providing new opportunities for English language education.
Debates on Language Policy: Ongoing discussions about the balance between Sinhala, Tamil, and English in education continue, reflecting the country's linguistic diversity

Rinosha, Awanthika, Adrewja, Mahesh

2514101009/Rinosa 3:37 PM
1951- Establishment of Technical Education
1965- Expansion of University Education
1981- Establishment of Open University

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Introduction
After Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, the role of English in the country’s education, governance, and society evolved. While English had been dominant during British rule, post-independence policies focused on promoting Sinhala and Tamil to assert national identity. At the same time, English was kept relevant for global communication and economic progress. The following key events highlight the evolution of the English language and education in Sri Lanka after independence.

1948 - 1970

1948 - Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain, and English continued to be the official language for administration, government, and higher education.

- English-medium schools remained the primary educational option for the urban elite, while Sinhala and Tamil were used in rural schools, leading to a linguistic divide.

1956 - The Sinhala Only Act was passed, making Sinhala the sole official language for government, administration, and public services. This reduced the role of English in these areas.

- The Sinhala Only Act limited the use of English in public offices and government communications, causing English-speaking minorities and Tamil speakers to face barriers in government jobs and public services.

1960 - The government began promoting Sinhala-medium education in schools, with English becoming less accessible for the general population.

- English remained central to private sector education, but its use in public administration and legal systems gradually diminished.

- Despite the dominance of Sinhala, English-medium instruction remained strong in elite schools and higher education institutions like Colombo University, which offered courses in English.

1965 -The government introduced initiatives to strengthen Sinhala proficiency in schools, while English continued as a second language in the education system but with limited scope.

1970 - English was relegated mainly to the upper class and private institutions, and Sinhala solidified its role as the primary language in government jobs, schools, and public life.

- As the use of Sinhala grew in public administration, English was no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into civil service and government positions.

(1970-1990)

1972 – Introduction of Swabhasha (Mother Tongue) Education Policy, making Sinhala and Tamil the primary mediums of instruction in government schools.

1972 – English is reduced to a compulsory second language subject in schools.

1978 – The new Constitution recognizes English as a “link language”, enabling communication between Sinhala and Tamil speakers.

– Presidential Task Force on English is formed to improve English education and teacher training.

1985 – Introduction of the Bilingual Education Pilot Project, allowing some subjects to be taught in English while maintaining Sinhala and Tamil as primary mediums.

Late 1980s – Growth of private and international schools offering English-medium education.

(1990–2000)

1990 – Introduction of English medium education in selected schools, allowing students to study some subjects in English while keeping Sinhala/Tamil as primary languages.

1994 – Expansion of bilingual education.

1997 – Government introduces the General English Paper in the Advanced Level (A/L) Examination.

1998 – English teaching is strengthened through teacher training programs and curriculum updates.

1999 – The Presidential Task Force on Education recommends promoting English for higher education and professional development.

(2000-2025)

2001- Introduction of Bilingual Education.

2003- National Education Commission recommendations, emphasizing the need for competent teachers, updated curriculum to meet international students.

2008- Expansion of English medium Instructions in secondary schools, allowing more students to study core subjects in English.

2013- National policy on trilingualism promoting proficiency in Sinhala, English and Tamil.

2020- General Education Sector Development Plan,       Enhance English Language teacher training, curriculum development and resource allocations.

2023 -The government focused on improving English education with online platforms and school programs. English stayed important for jobs in IT and tourism.

2024 - Efforts were made to improve English teaching in public schools, while private schools continued to offer English-medium education, creating access gaps.

2025 -The government continues to prioritize English proficiency through national policies and digital platforms, making it crucial for higher education, global business, and trade.

Group members - Nisansala 2514101047 , Ramanapriya 2514101024, Sathsarani 2514101005

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Group 10                                        Key Events in Education After Independence 

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Group 10                                        Key Events in Education After Independence 

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Key Events After Independence:

Free Education Act (1947): Introduced free education, expanding access to schooling for all, but with a continued reliance on English in higher education.

Sinhala Only Act (1956): Made Sinhala the official language, affecting English proficiency and education in Tamil-speaking areas.

Tamil as a National Language (1987): Granted Tamil national language status, promoting Tamil-medium education.

Expansion of English Education: Revived English education in private and elite schools while integrating it into state schools as a second language.

Universal Primary Education (1990s): Achieved near-universal access to primary education and began introducing English as a second language.

Curriculum Reforms (2000s): Modernized education, including the introduction of ICT and bilingual education.

MMM SHIHAM 2514101003

W G D De Mel 2514101020

MZRS Zubair 2514101063

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The British initially took control of coastal areas previously held by the Dutch in 1796.

Activity 1

Economic Changes:• The British introduced plantation agriculture, primarily focusing on coffee, then tea, and rubber.

• This dramatically altered the island's economy and landscape.

• The need for labor led to the influx of Tamil laborers from India, significantly changing the island's demographics.

• They built infrastructure, including roads and railways, to facilitate the transport of goods.Political and Social Changes:

• British administration and legal systems were implemented.

• English became the official language.

• Western education was introduced. In 1825 first English medium government school was established.

• A growing nationalist movement emerged in the early 20th century, pushing for self-governance.

Activity 02

• 1948-Even after Ceylon gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948, English continued to function as the de facto official language of the nation.

• 1956-A significant turning point in the island’s history occurred in 1956 with the introduction of the Sinhala Only Act, which dethroned English in official administrative and legislative communication.

• Given that this Act also excluded the Tamil language, it also facilitated animosity between the Sinhala and Tamil-speaking populations of the country, consequently fuelling the violent conflict that ensued in the country. The “Swabasha” (mother tongue) education movement gained momentum as English education during colonial rule had excluded many native people from social opportunities. However, in July 1987, recognizing the importance of English in a globalizing world, the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord established Sinhala, Tamil, and English as the official languages of the country.

• 1987-However, in July 1987, recognizing the importance of English in a globalizing world, the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord established Sinhala, Tamil, and English as the official languages of the country.

• 1972 -New Constitution Sinhala is reaffirmed as the official language.English is mainly limited to elite schools and higher education institutions.

• 1977The dominance of the regional languages shifted due to the implementation of open economy (1977) and spread of globalization.

• 1978-Constitution AmendmentTamil is made an official language alongside Sinhala.English is designated as a "link language" to bridge ethnic divisions.

• 1980-English Education DeclinesGovernment schools rarely offer English-medium instruction.Private institutions continue teaching in English, leading to a socio-economic divide.

• 1990-This decision was later altered with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in November of that year, retaining only Sinhala and Tamil as the country’s official languages, while English was designated as the ‘link language.’ The prominence of English experienced a resurgence in the 1990s when it was reintroduced as a medium of instruction in schools.English Recognized as a Global NecessityPolicies shift to promote English in education and employment.The introduction of "English as a Life Skill" programs.

• 2001-English Medium Reintroduced in Government SchoolsSelect schools begin offering English-medium instruction for key subjects.Bilingual education is encouraged to improve English proficiency.

• 2010-Expansion of English in Higher EducationUniversities offer more degree programs in English.

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Educational Changes in Sri Lanka (1948–Present) & Their Impact on English Education

Since gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lanka has undergone several educational reforms that have shaped the role of English in the country. Below is a timeline of key educational changes and how they influenced English language education.

1. Post-Independence Era (1948–1956): Expanding Free Education

Free Education Policy (1945, fully implemented after independence): Provided free education from primary to university level under C.W.W. Kannangara’s reforms.

Expansion of Schools & Universities: More schools were opened, and the University of Ceylon expanded.

Impact on English Education:

English remained the medium of instruction in many schools and universities.

However, English was still associated with the colonial elite, limiting access for rural communities.

2. Sinhala-Only Policy & Decline of English (1956–1977)

Official Language Act of 1956 ("Sinhala Only" Act) made Sinhala the sole official language, replacing English in administration and education.

Tamil was later recognized as an official language in 1958.

English-medium education was almost completely phased out in public schools.

Impact on English Education:

English education declined sharply as it was no longer a medium of instruction.

Rural students had fewer opportunities to learn English, widening the gap between urban and rural populations.

English proficiency among the younger generation decreased significantly.

3. Reintroduction of English in Education (1977–2000)

1978 Constitution: Declared Sinhala and Tamil as official languages but recognized English as a link language to bridge ethnic and social gaps.

Expansion of Private & International Schools: More private and international schools began offering English-medium education.

National Institute of Education (1986): Established to reform teacher training and curriculum development.

Impact on English Education:

English was reintroduced as a compulsory subject in schools.

Students could now sit for exams in English, though Sinhala and Tamil remained dominant.

A new wave of English-medium private and international schools emerged, catering mainly to the elite.

4. Bilingual & ICT-based Education (2000–Present)

Since 2000, Sri Lanka has implemented several initiatives to enhance bilingual and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based education.

Bilingual Education:

Introduction of the Bilingual Education Programme (BEP) in 2001: Aimed to improve English proficiency among students without compromising their native languages, Sinhala and Tamil. This program utilizes the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology, focusing on selected secondary-level subjects.

The introduction of Bilingual Education also allowed students to study subjects like Science and Mathematics in English from Grade 6 onwards.

Focus on Social Cohesion: The BEP emphasizes using English as a link language to promote social harmony among diverse ethnic groups while preserving native languages.

ICT-Based Education:

Government Initiatives: The Ministry of Education has been introducing free ICT education to over 4 million students across approximately 10,000 schools nationwide.

Integration into Curriculum: Efforts have been made to incorporate ICT into the educational system, focusing on overcoming barriers and developing frameworks for effective implementation.

Challenges and Opportunities: While there have been significant strides in ICT adoption, challenges such as uneven distribution of facilities and the need for a comprehensive master plan to guide ICT integration in education persist.

5. ICT Integration in Schools (2000s)

Government programs like “English as a Life Skill” (2009) and digital learning initiatives promoted English learning through technology.

National Education Policy Updates (2016-Present): Focused on improving English teaching methodologies, training more English teachers, and expanding English-medium government schools.

6. New Education Reforms (2020s)

Emphasis on 21st-century skills, with English playing a key role in global employability.

Impact on English Education:

English is now compulsory in all schools from Grade 3 onwards.

More students study key subjects in English through bilingual programs.

Online platforms and digital tools have made English learning more accessible.

Job market demands have increased interest in learning English, leading to more adult and vocational English courses

Group Members

1. M.A. Dakshina Munasinghe 2514101048

2. Kasuni Menaka 2514101058

3. H.M.Hasini Thranga 2514101039

4. Kawini Suraweera 2514101057

5. H.A.A.I.Kulasundara,2514101045

6. D.Stela Devamalar 2514101023