Sri Lankan education

Sri Lankan education is a structured system that combines primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, emphasizing both academics and character development. Children typically start school at age five, with compulsory education up to grade 11, leading to the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level. Students then choose to continue to Advanced Level, preparing for university entry or vocational paths. The system prioritizes bilingual proficiency in Sinhala and Tamil, with English also playing a significant role. Education is government-funded, aiming to provide inclusive access, though disparities exist between urban and rural areas. Overall, it strives to balance traditional values with modern skills.