Sri Lanka has made significant progress in education over the years, with a high literacy rate of approximately 92% for the total population, and a literacy rate of over 98% for youth aged between 15-24 years. Education is provided free of charge at all levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. However, despite these achievements, there are still significant challenges in achieving education equity in Sri Lanka.

There are disparities in education outcomes based on geographic location, socio-economic status, and gender. For example, there are significant differences in literacy rates between urban and rural areas, with rural areas having lower literacy rates. Girls also face significant challenges in accessing and completing education, particularly in rural areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with school closures and disruptions to learning having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. 

The recent economic crisis in Sri Lanka, triggered by a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-existing structural issues, has had a significant impact on education and education equity in the country. The crisis has resulted in reduced government funding for education, which has led to a lack of resources and infrastructure in schools, particularly in rural areas. The closure of schools during the pandemic has also led to a disruption in learning, with many students from disadvantaged backgrounds struggling to access learning resources. In addition, the economic crisis has led to an increase in poverty, which has further widened the gap in education equity between wealthy and disadvantaged students. The crisis has highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address inequities in education and to ensure that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to quality education.