Business
New IPS publication finds COVID-19 pandemic increased importance of private supplementary tutoring in Sri Lanka
- A new IPS study finds that the demand for private tutoring in Sri Lanka increased in the context of dysfunctional school classes due to the pandemic and teacher strikes.
- The study highlights a strong association between household income and the quality of online shadow education.
- Poor connectivity, high data costs, and lack of devices hindered access to online tuition during the pandemic.
- Despite such issues, online shadow education has become more accessible than mainstream education, allowing for greater flexibility, and increasing the industry’s importance in the education sector.
A new study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) finds that the demand for private tutoring has increased in the context of dysfunctional school classes due to the pandemic and teacher strikes. The study titled ‘Shadow Education in Sri Lanka during COVID-19: Trends, Impacts, and Role in Relation to Mainstream Education’ is authored by Ashani Abayasekara, Usha Perera, and Thisali de Silva.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to education systems worldwide. While there has been considerable research on the impact of extended school closures on formal mainstream education, private supplementary tutoring or “shadow education” has received minimal attention despite its growing popularity. Against such a backdrop, this new IPS study identifies issues related to the accessibility, quality, and affordability of private tutoring, particularly in the context of the pandemic.
Based on primary data obtained from several sources, including an online survey of O/L and A/L students, telephone interviews conducted with students in rural locations; Key Informant Interviews conducted with a sample of teachers and tutors, and analysis of online tuition advertisements, the study finds that household income is strongly associated with the quality of online shadow education. Most students faced accessibility issues for online tuition classes during the pandemic due to poor connectivity, high data costs, lack of necessary devices, and affordability concerns amidst the loss of household income. The study notes that while tuition advertisements in Sri Lanka are concentrated in the affluent Western Province, accessibility to shadow education increased vis-à-vis mainstream education, owing to greater flexibility in scheduling online classes and the ability to join any class of choice regardless of location. Furthermore, overloaded schedules, financial motives, attitudinal issues and overdependence on tuition were identified as drawbacks of the tuition industry, while respondents highlighted the importance of nurturing non-academic skills and protecting education equity by virtue of free education.
Based on the findings, the study proposes the following policy recommendations to education policymakers in improving the quality, accessibility, and equitability of shadow education in general.
=Improving Quality: To improve the industry’s quality, obtaining comprehensive data, monitoring and regulating the industry, and investing in online pedagogical expertise are crucial.
=Improving Accessibility: In terms of improving accessibility, providing devices and networks for given locations, such as schools and tuition centres, in line with student needs and improving communication platforms between schools, parents, and students is essential.
=Improving Equity and Affordability: To address equity and affordability concerns, better collaboration between the government and the shadow education industry under a policy that encourages shadow education as a key facilitator to mainstream education can be considered. This could be implemented along with the provision of subsidies or tax deductions for lower-income students to attend tuition classes.
The study contends that while private tutoring has a significant role in Sri Lanka’s education system, addressing the issues related to its accessibility, quality, and affordability is essential to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in their education.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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