Education and knowledge economy – For reconciliation and national development in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Human resource development is an important basis of higher education. Higher education institutes, such as universities, are involved in knowledge generation and creation, curation and transfer of knowledge to students, as well as to the community. The knowledge gained through education gives strength to a person, as well as to society, enabling them to face the globalised challenges of the modern world with confidence. Well-formulated higher education policies and procedures promote deep analytical thinking, positive attitudes, skills, and competencies for gathering information in the interest of problem solving, finally producing a person who can make a positive contribution to society. The education one receives is for the benefit of not only the individual but also society, nations and the world at large. Education is one of the basic human rights that need to be provided by all nations. Since independence, Sri Lanka has provided free education up to tertiary level, which has resulted in a literacy rate of 95%. Leveraging on this, the present Government has identified “knowledge hub” as one of the five hubs to be developed in its strategy to become the Wonder of Asia. (Abstract taken from first paragraph of document)